Etihad Airways is the first airline in the world to introduce a Boeing 787 Dreamliner Multi-crew Pilot Licence (MPL) programme.
Etihad Aviation Training (EAT), part of Etihad Aviation Group, is believed to be the first aviation training organisation in the world to secure regulatory approval for cadets who complete MPL training on the Embraer Phenom 100 jet can now transition directly to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
This programme allows EAT trainees to become fully qualified Boeing 787 Dreamliner pilots within 18 months, through an intensive and highly advanced curriculum that capitalises on leading industry learning techniques and technology.
Paolo La Cava, Vice President Etihad Aviation Training, said, “Etihad, along with a number of other airlines around the world, traditionally place cadets into narrow-body aircraft once they’ve completed their training.
“Due to higher market demand, EAT would rather place some cadets onto the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. With this new approval, requirements will be met and will also give pilots the opportunity to fly to destinations that are not catered with narrow-body aircraft.”
Etihad’s A350 simulator
EAT has also announced that airline pilots or individual pilots who are currently not flying, can now conduct type rating training at its Abu Dhabi campus.
“Despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions during the past year, EAT successfully trained over 18,000 students, while globally, the vast majority of training organisations paused their operations,” continued Mr La Cava
“Now, EAT also has the ability to offer type rate training to not only airline pilots, but also individual pilots who are not directly associated with any UAE air operator, similar to the European training environment. This way, Etihad’s training facilities are actively responding to the market’s needs and ensuring pilots remain licensed and employable while less aircraft are in the sky.”
The EAT training team has been developing courseware to be the first GCAA ATO to provide the A350 Standard Training conversion (STC) and Cross Crew Qualification (CCQ).
EAT has also partnered with Etihad Guest, the loyalty programme of Etihad Airways. EAT customers who purchase qualifying training products and services will earn Etihad Guest Miles for every 1 USD spent, which can be redeemed for Etihad Airways flights, hotel bookings, holiday packages and other items.
