Etihad Airways has announced it will establish the Etihad Flight College at Al Ain in the UAE.
The new college will be formed out of the fixed-wing training division of Horizon International Flight Academy (Horizon), which is being acquired by the airline.
Horizon has provided helicopter and fixed wing training programs since 2003 and 2007 respectively, and pilots can qualify for their Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).
“The establishment of the Etihad Flight College is a natural part of our strategy to produce the best pilots to support our rapidly expanding fleet,” Etihad President and CEO James Hogan said in a statement. “It also helps underpin the growth and development of the aviation sector in Abu Dhabi. We are committed to developing a world-class facility which combines new and best practice training programs with high calibre instructors. The training facility will enhance the career opportunities in aviation, especially for UAE nationals.”
The Horizon assets to be acquired include 13 Cessna 172SP Skyhawks, three Diamond DA42NGs, two flight training simulators and hangar facilities at Al Ain International Airport. In addition, all fixed wing flight instructors and some support staff currently employed by Horizon will transfer across to the Etihad Flight College.
