Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) has signed a strategic leasing agreement with the Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) to establish its first training facility within Al Maktoum International Airport.

The agreement was signed by Mohammed A. Ahli, director general of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and CEO of dans, and Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman of DACC, in the presence of Suzan Al Anani, chief executive officer, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) and Ibrahim Ahli, deputy CEO, dans.

Once fully established, the new dans’ Training Facility will offer a diverse portfolio of training courses that address all technical, operational and theoretical subject matters in the field of Air Traffic Management (ATM). The facility primarily focuses on creating a global training hub from within Dubai that has the capacity to train individuals who are already experienced in the air traffic movements (ATM) sector and are keen towards further enhancing and developing their operational aptitude and skills, in addition to individuals who are looking to start a career in ATM.

Ahli said: “In line with the economic vision set for Dubai and in alignment with our dedication to support the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to  ‘connecting minds to build a better future,’ the launch of the new dans’ Training Facility will mark a very important and unparalleled milestone in the history of the UAE’s ATM sector. The signing of this strategic new leasing agreement, which identifies the location of the academy, is a crucial positive step in the right direction for the academy. The academy shall open its doors to professionals working in and outside of the UAE to help enhance their skills. Moreover, operating such a unique facility that is specialised as such from within the UAE, also supports our efforts in preparing and equipping Emirati talent with the necessary skills required to succeed in an ever-growing ATM sector, which continuously requires keeping up with the fast pace of innovation and development."

"We would also like to express our appreciation for the continuous support coming from the DACC as led by Khalifa Al Zaffin, The DACC serves as a catalyst in making this initiative happen, especially now that we have identified Al Maktoum International Airport as the location of the academy from where all future operational trainings will commence,” he said.

The courses set to be offered at the new dans’ Training Academy includes operational courses in the ATM Sector that range from foundation training, rating & qualification training towards validation, first competency assessments, subsequent training and competency assessments leading to additional endorsements and qualifications, professional aviation development courses, emergency continuation training, to refresher/remedial & supplementary ATM trainings.

Al Zaffin stated" "The DACC is proud to be associated with the DANS project where learning and innovation go hand in hand to benefit the UAE’s Aviation industry."

Dans is the air navigation services provider that manages Dubai’s and part of the Northern Emirates’ airspace--offering air navigation services for airport authorities and numerous prestigious airlines, including the World’s busiest airport in terms of international passenger numbers-Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) is the owner of both the Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, and the free zone authority within Dubai South. Under its umbrella, DACC operates four leading government entities--dans, DAEP, Dubai South, and Dubai Airports Corporation. - TradeArabia News Service