Dubai varsity to set up pilot training centre

Dubai Aerospace University (DAU), one of the largest pilot training institutes in the world, is planning to set up an academy in India.

The education and training arm of aviation major Dubai Aerospace Enterprises is also exploring joint venture possibilities in India.

The university is targeting Indian students who are interested in careers in the entire aviation spectrum -- from technicians and pilots to supervisors and managers in airlines, airports, aircraft and aviation service businesses and aerospace design, engineering and manufacturing.

"Our recent research confirms that India will remain one of the fastest growing aviation and aerospace markets in the world over the next 20 years. But there is a huge shortage of qualified human resources. Our courses are designed to produce the highest calibre people to ensure India has access to the right skills to embrace this growth," says Dubai Aerospace University President, George Ebbs.

Ebbs said India was a major market for the university and the proposed pilot training academy would give hands-on training for Indian students. The university will be rolling out various financial assistance measures to Indian students.

The University's recent research of the India commercial aviation market has shown that up to 1,500 aircraft are expected to be ordered in the next 20 years and passenger traffic is forecast to grow by nearly 10 per cent in the next decade. More than $2 billion of investment is planned to develop major airports in India.

Ebbs, who retired as president of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Florida, was instrumental in expanding Embry as one of the biggest aviation universities in the world, with internationally recognised curricula in engineering, aviation sciences and aviation business administration.

So what are the employment opportunities for Indian students? "There is no placement agreement signed between airlines in India currently. But, Dubai Aerospace University students will have the opportunity of intern placements and employment in the other five divisions of Dubai Aerospace Enterprises--DAE Airport, DAE Engineering, DAE manufacturing, DAE services and DAE capital."

Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation Chief Executive Officer (Indian Subcontinent & Middle East) Kapil Kaul says Dubai Aerospace University has one of the biggest aviation education infrastructure in the world covering all aspects of aviation.

The parent company has firmed up plans to grow through a series of phased developments to produce an integrated aerospace cluster, based at Dubai World Central -- the 140 square kilometre new airport and logistics city being constructed in Jebel Ali, Dubai.