“Emiratisation key to reducing manpower gap aviation in aviation industry”

Capt. Tilmann Gabriel, programme director for City University London's (City) aviation management programmes has called for a plan to encourage more local talent to carve a career in one of the UAE's corner stone industries.
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Whilst City’s aviation management programmes are near capacity again this year, only three GCC nationals, of which only one Emirati enrolled. The University aims to reinforce Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai’s statement that Dubai is ‘building the aviation capital of the world’ and to do so, professors at the institution believe that to achieve this ambition, Emiratis are key. 

Capt. Tilmann Gabriel, programme director- MSc Air Transport/Aircraft Maintenance Management said:“As City University London looks to expand its aviation management programmes in the region – the UAE airlines and employees must invest in their local talent and develop skilled aviation professionals if the country is to hold onto its status as a major player in global aviation business. 

“Airlines must look to provide a world class standard of education for their local staff, as these individuals will be the key to sustaining the incredible success of the UAEs aviation industry.” 

The diverse cohort from 23 different nations studying MSc Air Transport Management, Air Safety Management and MSc Aircraft Maintenance Management will take part in the three-year part-time course at City’s Dubai Centre in DIFC. 

Ehsan Razavizadeh founding director for MENA and head of Dubai Centre, City University London said: “Dubai’s aviation industry has witnessed an incredible period of growth over the last two decades. In 2004, Dubai International Airport was not even featured on the Airports Council International’s top 30 busiest airports. Today, Dubai International Airport has overtaken London Heathrow as the world’s busiest for international passenger traffic, with over 70 million passengers expected to pass through in 2015. 

“As the local aviation industry continues to invest in skills and talent, education providers also have a huge role to play. For City University London, Dubai is the perfect location for our international aviation programmes. We aim to equip the next generation of aviation workers with the knowledge required to keep Dubai competing on a global scale." 

Nearly 1,100 students have now graduated from City’s MSc Aviation Management course and it currently has over 450 students, with over 150 of them in the Gulf. With nearly 40% of the global intake coming from the Gulf, this suggests the region has recognised the importance of ensuring those working within the industry receive the skills and knowledge they need to succeed and thrive.