Dubai Aerospace University to set up pilot training centre in India
15 Feb 2007
Dubai: Dubai Aerospace University (DAU), one of the largest pilot training institutes in the world, is planning to set up an academy in India, which will target Indian students interested in the entire spectrum of aviation studies.
DAU, which is the education and training arm of aviation major Dubai Aerospace Enterprises, will also explore joint venture possibilities in India.
The university will provide learning opportunities to Indian students through the range of the 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.
According to Ebbs, 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 also 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 may 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.
Interestingly, DAU says that its 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.
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.
