Gulf Aviation Training Event to take place in Dubai

The Gulf Aviation Training Event (GATE) takes place 16 – 17 September 2012, at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Dubai.

This year’s theme is set to create a good debate with the challenging theme ‘Breaking the Paradigms: Aviation Training at $150 a Barrel,’ highlighting the shortage of pilots in the region.

Conference Director Captain Ed Davidson, Senior Vice President of the Aerospace Practice for global air transport consultancy Tetra Tech will be leading panels of industry experts - to evoke controversial discussions, challenge processes and develop innovative solutions to support the aviation industry’s future plans.

The conference has the backing of a strong panel including Captain Martin Mahoney, SVP, Flight Training, Emirates Airline, Eng. Ismaiel Al Balooshi, Director of Flight Safety and Operations, UAE GCAA and Mike Varney, Training Consultant, IATA.

Boeing’s Current Market Outlook (CMO) 2012 – 2031 predicts significant implications for the Middle East: 32,700 new pilots and 59,500 new skilled maintenance personnel are required to staff the region’s airlines between now and 2030.

Etihad is currently looking to increase employees in the coming years, according to Captain Richard Hill, chief operating officer “Etihad is looking to recruit over 200 pilots next year. They will be drawn from experienced expat pilots and also from Etihad’s cadet recruitment stream.”

While Qatar Airways’ impressive forecast for 2012 includes route network expansions to 120 cities, Akbar Al Baker, chief executive officer of Qatar Airways insists the airline will not relax its stringent recruitment standards, stating “We will delay delivery of aircraft if necessary if we cannot find pilots with the quality we require. That will never be compromised.”

Michele Van Akelijen, Aerospace director, F&E Aerospace, organisers of the event said “The Gulf’s aviation industry is facing a huge challenge - demand for pilots and technicians in the region is growing due to rapid expansion and fleet investment but with the return of the Gulf Aviation Training Event, we are providing a platform for the industry to develop the solutions to these pressing issues.”