Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Armed Forces General Headquarters (GHQ) to provide commercial aviation training to a number of pilots, cabin attendants, loadmasters and flight despatchers in the UAE Armed Forces.

The initial pilot training will be carried out at the Etihad Flight College at Al Ain International Airport, with further training and flying experience being provided at the airline’s state-of-the-art training academy in Abu Dhabi, and in the course of routine flying operations across Etihad Airways’ fast growing global network, said a statement from the UAE airline.

The MoU was signed during a visit to Etihad Airways’ Innovation Centre by a senior UAE Armed Forces GHQ and Air Force delegation led by staff pilot Brigadier Abdullah Mohammed Al Neyadi, Deputy Commander Air Force & Air Defence.

Richard Hill, the chief operations officer, said: "Etihad Airways is committed to training and developing a national workforce of skilled and motivated Emirati nationals which includes supporting the UAE Armed Forces and the development of its personnel employed in military aviation."

Brigadier Al Neyadi, said: "This collaboration provides our personnel with direct access to Etihad’s state-of-the-art training programs, facilities and global aviation operations experience, ensuring that they receive the training they need to become experienced military aviation professionals, as well as equip them with the skills and qualifications required to pursue a career in commercial aviation in the future."

Etihad is renowned as one of the UAE’s leading Emirati employers and has been widely acknowledged for its National Talent Development Program.

Currently the airline has more than 2,000 UAE Nationals employed in various jobs spanning the spectrum of its operations, the statement added.-TradeArabia News Service