These agreements were concluded at the IATA Aviation Day Middle East and North Africa (MENA), taking place in Jeddah on 6-7 May 2025.

In the initial phase, over 1,000 aviation graduates and employees will receive comprehensive skills training, covering a wide range of areas, including airport development, safety, airline management and ground operations.

Today aviation contributes USD 90.6 billion, or 8.5%, to Saudi Arabia’s GDP and supports 1.4 million jobs—62,000 of which are directly employed by airlines and 79,000 by the country’s airports and air navigation service provider (ANSP). This contribution is expected to ramp up significantly over the next few years, with travel and tourism serving as one of the key pillars of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. To support this growth, the Kingdom has committed to a significant investment to airport infrastructure and fleet renewals.

“Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is undergoing unprecedented growth and transformation. The Kingdom is not only expanding its aviation infrastructure, but it is also investing in its people. This is vital to meet the immediate skills requirements while developing a professional workforce able to deliver on Vision 2030. IATA is working with the country’s training community as it establishes Saudi Arabia as a hub of aviation excellence,” said Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and Middle East.

The training agreements concluded for 2025 are:

Riyadh Airports Company and Qassim University will become Regional Training Partners while Prince Sultan Aviation Academy (PSAA)—a long-standing Regional Training Partner—will add additional courses. Across the three entities, they will offer more than 60 training courses covering airport development and operations, safety, commercial and people skills and ground operations.

IATA will provide industry awareness courses to graduates across Riyadh Air and Saudia Airlines, aimed at attracting and nurturing national talent for future leadership roles within the airlines.

IATA will provide Dangerous Goods Courses to the management and operational personnel of the Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation (SACA).

SAL Saudi Logistics Services has been certified as a CBTA Center while Saudi Ground Services (SGS) renewed both its CBTA Center and Training Validation Program (TVP) certification for its ground operations training programme.

The event brought together senior Gulf Air managers and Boeing leadership for an immersive training programme, which was designed to support Gulf Air’s ongoing growth journey.

The seminar covered key topics, including airline strategies and business models, network and fleet planning, revenue management, and airplane leasing versus purchasing decisions. During the sessions, Boeing and Gulf Air explored how evolving business models and airplane technologies are shaping the future of the industry, the importance of market analysis in designing profitable networks, and how to optimise aircraft utilisation and revenue performance.

Gulf Air Group chief executive officer Dr. Jeffrey Goh said: "Gulf Air has shared a long-standing and trusted partnership with Boeing—one that has played a pivotal role in shaping our journey as a national carrier. Over the years, Boeing’s innovation, technical excellence, and steadfast support have contributed significantly to our fleet modernisation and operational success. As we look ahead, we remain confident that our collaboration will continue to thrive, driving further growth, sustainability, and excellence in the aviation industry."

The training modules offered Gulf Air participants practical insights into how airlines choose the right airplanes to match their network plans, the factors that influence airplane delivery timelines—such as availability and financing—and the pros and cons of leasing versus purchasing airplanes. Attendees also explored how airport conditions and flight regulations can impact aircraft performance and learned how financial planning tools can support smarter investment decisions.

“Boeing’s partnership with Bahrain dates back to 1977, when Gulf Air took delivery of its first Boeing aircraft, a 737-200. Boeing’s investments have played a key role in growing the local aerospace sector, creating jobs, and driving innovation,” said Omar Arekat, vice president of Boeing’s Commercial Sales and Marketing for the Middle East. “As Bahrain’s aviation market continues to evolve, Boeing is committed to expanding its presence by supporting the airline’s diverse fleet needs, including both commercial and cargo solutions. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Gulf Air and helping drive the growth of Bahrain’s aviation sector.”

The graduates specialised in various fields, including Aircraft Maintenance, Pilot Training, Cabin Crew, Commercial Operations, and Hotel Operations, representing diverse African nationalities as well as Chinese nationals. Among the graduates are 38 Chinese, 34 Congolese, 19 Mozambican, 8 Cameroonian, 2 Gabonese, 1 Zambian, 1 South Sudanese, 1 Ugandan, and 1 Sierra Leonean. Of the 974 graduates, 614 are female and 360 are male.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said: “We are immensely proud to see our students graduate today, having successfully completed their training and demonstrated remarkable academic achievements. I am confident that you will carry this success into your future careers, leveraging the diverse resources you have gained from this esteemed university, which is equipped with cutting-edge technologies and staffed by seasoned aviation professionals. Ethiopian Aviation University will continue to be a centre of aviation excellence, serving not only the continent and the region but also beyond.”

Ethiopian Aviation University has graduated over 20,000 aviation professionals from Ethiopia, across the continent, and beyond over its nearly 70 years of establishment.

On World Pilots’ Day, Emirates is embarking on its next era of growth and global expansion, with its commitment to welcome over 1,500 new pilots within the next two years.

The airline is riding on the success of its Accelerated Command programme which fast-tracks First Officers to the role of Captain, with more than 80 pilots well on their way to achieving this command upgrade.

Emirates pilots fly the world’s youngest and most modern fleet of 261 all wide-body aircraft of Airbus A380s, Boeing 777s and its latest stunning addition – the A350. Flying to over 148 destinations across six continents, Emirates’ pilots connect bustling cities – from San Francisco to Sydney to serene hotspots like the Maldives and Mauritius. Navigating every terrain – from dense forests, vast deserts, the Himalayas, and oceans. 

Life in Dubai

The airline said: “Emirates pilots enjoy a competitive tax-free salary with profit sharing benefits – ensuring security and stability. They have access to a world-class provident fund and retirement benefits as well as life, medical and dental coverage.

“Pilots are chauffeured to and from work in luxury cars and live in spacious villas in gated communities. Pilots have every opportunity to explore the world with family and friends – this includes 42 annual leave days and tickets for the entire family in First or Business Class, plus deeply discounted tickets for self, immediate and wider family, plus friends. Bidding and swapping for preferred flights and destinations with the airline’s advanced rostering system ensures they can spend special moments with loved ones.

“Pilots are part of a vibrant community in Dubai where they live alongside colleagues from over 112 countries. With excellent infrastructure, first-class hospitality, a buzzing nightlife, family-friendly communities, international schools and amenities, Dubai is a city of choice for millions of expatriates.”

Global recruitment drive

With its growth strategy in mind, Emirates said it is focused on hiring experienced pilots for roles in one of its four programmes: Direct Entry Captains, Accelerated Command, First Officers Type Rated and First Officers Non-Type Rated. The new hires will be embraced into a 4,600 strong flight crew community.

The first group will commence in April 2025.

“Partnering with Qatar Airways Group is a defining milestone for BAA Training, and one we accept with great pride and responsibility. With our deep MPL expertise and an integrated, all-inclusive training solution, we are committed to delivering exceptional results at scale. This agreement not only reflects the trust Qatar Airways Group has placed in us but also establishes the foundation for a strong, long-term partnership,” said Marijus Ravoitis, CEO of BAA Training.

Qatar Airways chief flight operations officer, Clifford Chetcuti, said: “Flight training is the first step to be eligible to navigate the skies, marking this partnership an important collaboration between Qatar Airways and BAA Training. We invest significantly in cultivating expertise amongst our esteemed roster of pilots that will uphold and expand our extensive network. We look forward to equipping our pilots with top tier training that will ensure our cadets graduate with competencies required for proficient and secured flying operations."

The programme is designed to deliver airline-tailored, competency-based MPL training, ensuring cadets master both technical skills and the core competencies required for safe and proficient operations. The training pathway includes theoretical instruction, single-engine flight training, multi-engine practice on FNPT II devices, and Type Rating on A320 full flight simulators and FTD Level 2 devices.

Upon graduation, cadets will be fully qualified to step directly into First Officer roles with Qatar Airways, entering the flight deck equipped with industry-leading preparation and career security.

Training will be delivered at BAA Training’s state-of-the-art facilities in Lithuania and Spain. An all-inclusive service package, covering accommodation and catering, guarantees a seamless, high-quality experience from start to finish.

This agreement further solidifies BAA Training’s position as a trusted global partner in advanced airline pilot training and underscores both organisations’ commitment to meeting the growing demand for world-class flight crews in the years ahead.

The proposed FTO will be a state-of-the-art flight school, designed to provide the high quality pilot training, combining cutting-edge infrastructure with the latest advancements in aviation technology.  

Under the terms of the MoU, Vector Technorium will design and construct the entire FTO complex, including advanced hangars and custom-designed hangar doors. advanced.

Melstarr’s FTO will offer a comprehensive training curriculum tailored to equip aspiring pilots with the necessary skills to meet the evolving demands of the global aviation industry.

The facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art flight simulators, modern classrooms, and dedicated maintenance facilities to provide a holistic training experience.  

Capt. Tarun Kashyap, executive director and chief operating officer of of Melstarr Aviations Tech Private Limited, said:  “This partnership reflects our commitment to developing a world-class flight training institution that will set a benchmark in the industry. Vector Technorium’s deep expertise in aviation infrastructure gives us the confidence that the project will be executed to the highest standards.”

Anirrban Batacharrya, director of Vector Technorium, said: "At Vector Technorium, we are dedicated to delivering innovative design-build solutions for the aviation sector. This partnership represents a step towards strengthening India’s aviation infrastructure and providing aspiring pilots with a world-class training environment.”

The simulator will be certified by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and is expected to be ready for training in the second half of 2025.

Meeting Africa’s Growing Demand for E190 Training

The integration of the E190 simulator aligns with the evolving needs of Simaero’s clients, many of whom are transitioning from the Embraer ERJ 145 to the more modern E190 aircraft.African carriers are increasingly switching their ERJ 145 fleets with the larger, more fuel-efficient E190 E-Series jets, while newer start-up airlines are opting for this model due to its extended range and ETOPS capabilities. This growing demand for the E-Seriesj et has created a pressing need for high-quality simulator training in Africa.

The introduction of the E190 full-flight simulator at Simaero’s Johannesburg Training Center will enhance training opportunities for external clients in South Africa. As the largest independent aviation training facility in the region, this expansion strengthens Simaero’s role in supporting the continent’s shift to the latest Embraer fleets on short-to-medium-haul routes, establishing Johannesburg as a key hub for both local and international airlines.

Strengthening Johannesburg asa Leading Training Hub

This expansion builds on the recent relocation of a Bombardier CRJ 200/700 full-flight simulator, solidifying Simaero’s Johannesburg Training Center as a leading hub for regional aircraft training. With upcoming CRJ and E190 comprehensive training programs, from initial type-rating to command upgrade, the center will offer high-quality solutions tailored to Africa’s evolving aviation sector.

"Our Johannesburg centre is evolving into a key training hub for regional aviation in Africa. The introduction of the E190 simulator, alongside the recently added CRJ 200/700, allows us to offer a full range of training solutions tailored to the needs of African airlines," affirmed Keith Roseveare, general manager of Simaero South Africa.

Accelerating Expansion Through Strategic Collaboration with HNCA

This milestone stems from a strategic partnership between Henan Aviation Investment Management Company (HNCA), the Bank of China, and Simaero. In 2024, Simaero and HNCA launched China’s first cross-border simulator operating lease business, designed to accelerate the relocation and acquisition of training devices. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between training demand and available simulator capacity, ensuring airlines worldwide have agile and cost-effective access to the latest training technologies.

"By working closely with HNCA, we are setting new industry standards for the rapid deployment of simulators. This project highlights our commitment to supporting the aviation sector’s growth in Africa and beyond," said Nicolas Mouté, CEO of Simaero.

The Embraer E190 full-flight simulator will be relocated from China to Simaero’s Johannesburg training center in the coming weeks by Simaero Engineering’s expert teams. It is planned to be certified by SACAA and ready for training in the second half of 2025.

Times Aerospace Events is delighted to announce the MRO Association of India as a strategic partner.

“Our association is honoured to be partnering with Times Aerospace Events for the second edition of Aviation India,” said C S Tomar, President of the MRO Association of India. “The MRO sector in India is responding strongly to our country’s need for more home-grown engineering and technical services and promoting these efforts at Aviation India 2025 will play a vital role in this drive.”

The event will be a two-day, high-level networking conference & exhibition bringing together aviation professionals, leaders and C-suite executives from airlines, including cargo and business aviation operators, government, regulators, airports, lessors, OEMs, MROs, training, finance & leasing, insurance, law firms and aviation suppliers and services providers from across the entire supply chain.

Aviation India 2025 is also pleased to announce and welcome back the Business Aircraft Operations Association (BAOA) of India as a supporting partner of Aviation India 2025, to help address the issues that face this growing part of India’s aviation ecosystem to the Summit.

Under the title Aviation India 2025: Shaping the pathway for Indian aviation, the summit will debate and examine how the industry is transforming at pace to unlock growth bringing together leaders from across India and the Subcontinent. “Even at this early stage, we are delighted to confirm Air India as a major supporter of Aviation India 2025, and its CEO, Campbell Wilson as one of the keynote speakers at the Summit,” said Mark Brown, managing director of Times Aerospace Events.

To help shape the content and programme of the 2-day summit, Times Aerospace Events is bringing together a panel of Indian aviation experts to assist in this effort.

This panel features:

• Bharat Malkani, Chairman of Max Aerospace and Aviation Ltd

• Willy Boulter, airline C-suite executive, senior aviation consultant, former Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo

• Sunam Datta, Chief Commercial Officer, Skyplan

• Neelam Mathews, veteran aviation, defence, travel and tourism correspondent

For more information please visit www.aviationindia.aero

The new programme builds on the success of the UAE National Cadet Programme launched last year which received more than 2000 applications.

Honouring the 145 nationalities within Etihad, the airline has rewarded 10 current staff members with the unique opportunity to make lateral career moves and embark on a full scholarship with Etihad’s two-year Employee Cadet Pilot programme.

Dr Nadia Bastaki, chief people and corporate affairs officer, Etihad Airways, said: "Our growth strategy is driven by the increasing demand for skilled pilots. The Employee Cadet Pilot Programme plays a pivotal role in ensuring the next generation is equipped with the world-class skills and expertise needed to excel in the ever-evolving aviation industry.

“As an employer of choice in the UAE, we wanted to give opportunity to our employees to make lateral career moves within Etihad with fully paid scholarships.”

The ten members of staff are currently serving in different roles across the organisation including Cabin Crew and Flight Dispatch and will begin cadet pilot training once formalities have been completed. Etihad’s diverse workforce is represented in the eight different nationalities that make up the 10 candidates chosen.

Of the successful candidates, Etihad has selected seven females to join the scholarship programme, competing with nearly 600 applicants from within Etihad for one of the highly coveted places.

Dr Nadia added: “As the world comes together in support of International Women’s Day, it is fitting that we celebrate the diversity of our cadet pilot intake, with seven of the ten successful candidates being women. At Etihad, we’re proud to give flight to ambition with this incredible opportunity for internal candidates who have the determination to take their careers to new heights.”

All Cadets took part in a two-month rigorous application process with tests in English, mathematics, physics, and a Pilot Aptitude test, as well as psychometric evaluations and medical assessments.

The successful internal candidates were revealed on stage at Etihad’s annual employee engagement forum in front of 2,500 employees. On receiving the scholarship news, one of the selected women spoke of her pride to join the programme, “I am thrilled to be selected as one of the candidates because I can show my son that dreams really can come true.”

Captain Fahad Alseiari, Head of the Cadet Pilot Programme at Etihad Airways, said: "The primary objective of the Cadet Pilot Programme is to develop world-class pilots who align with Etihad Airways' operational and safety standards. The programme sets the standard for pilot

training, blending comprehensive theoretical education with practical flying experience. By using the latest aircraft models and technologies, we ensure our cadets are well-prepared for the demands of modern aviation."

"The two-year programme spans training in both the UAE and Spain, combining classroom-based learning with full flight simulator sessions. This ensures our graduates acquire the skills needed to meet Etihad’s high operational standards and contribute to our global success."

This is the first time Etihad has launched an employee-only Cadet Pilot programme offering staff members a unique opportunity to change careers and pursue their ambition of becoming a pilot.

“The Rwanda agreement is around aviation collaboration focused on training, they’re looking to build capacity with their own training facility, said David Adebiyi, chief commercial officer.

Adebiyi said GANS was in conversation with AFCAC, which Rwanda was involved in.

“Rwanda doesn’t just want this to be an agreement between GANS and Rwanda, they want to make sure that AFCAC is involved in the conversation too.  Rwanda doesn’t want to just serve their own training needs, but also serve the needs of other African countries too,” he said.

GANS also signed an MoU with Kenya, also building on capacity.

“We already have a contract with Kenya, delivering English language training in Nairobi, that was on the back of GISS in Istanbul, so it’s basically continuing that collaboration with them,” said Adebiyi.

“Kenya is a Centre of Excellence - they support a number of a number of African countries, but they don’t have enough capacity – so when they struggle with capacity, they tend to work with us.”

The third contract was between GANS and Guyana to deliver a training conversion for their air traffic controllers.

“They have moved into what is known as Approach Surveillance, which is a type of air traffic service.  We have just developed the training courses at our training centre,” explained Adebiyi.