Etihad cadet piltos start training in Dublin

The programme, at College Ireland Aviation Services in Weston Airport, will provide aviation-focused English language training to 36 cadet pilots. During the three-month course the cadet pilots will also be living with Irish host families. 

The cadet pilots were welcomed to Ireland on Friday 26 September by Minister for Justice and Equality, Francis Fitzgerald TD; Second Secretary of UAE embassy in Ireland, Mohamed Al Shamsi; and Brian Joyce, Executive Chairman of College Ireland Aviation Services. 

Also in attendance was Captain Salah Awadh Alfarajalla, VP Aviation Security and National Pilot Development, and Wissam Hachem, Vice President for Learning and Development at Etihad Airways. 

Ray Gammell, Etihad Airways’ chief people and performance officer, said: “Etihad Airways continually identifies world class training and education opportunities to develop our aviation professionals. This partnership with College Ireland Aviation Services will help to grow and empower our Emirati cadet pilots who will play an important role in our business.” 

Ireland Ambassador to the UAE, Patrick Hennessy, said: “I warmly welcome the new program launched by Etihad Airways and College Ireland in the framework of their strategic partnership. 

“This initiative underlines the significant cooperation between Etihad Airways and Ireland and of course is also testament to the quality of Irish education, as reflected in the training program developed by College Ireland in cooperation with Etihad Airways. 

“In welcoming these young Emirati cadet pilots to Ireland, I am also pleased to note this further enhancement of the rapidly growing positive relationship between Ireland and the UAE.” 

College Ireland Aviation Services teachers are qualified as aviation professionals and English language teachers, giving them the ideal expertise to support the cadet pilots’ understanding of aviation terminology.

As part of the programme cadet pilots will enhance their language skills for real-life flying situations including abnormal and emergency scenarios.

The cadet pilots will undertake aviation-specific subject modules, such as dangerous goods training. At the end of the program they will take internationally recognised aviation language exams.

Sara Al Naqbi, one of the cadet pilots taking the course, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to study and learn in Ireland as well as develop our English language skills to meet the requirements to be a qualified Etihad Airways pilot.

“While the classroom training is essential to develop our aviation language, this experience also gives us the opportunity to be immersed in an English speaking culture while we live with our host families.”