International companies are stepping up their training activities for Gulf nationals seeking employment in the civil aviation industry.

Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT), long considered the gold standard in commercial flight academies, is being remodeled to a campus structure so it can be more flexible and competitive in a changed market.

Delta Air Lines will recall up to 400 pilots this summer to help position itself for a rebound in travel demand.

Simulators and tech-based training will be essential to affordable pilot development

Airlines have launched a number of pilot retention and development programs.

The growth of Middle Eastern airlines in recent years is being matched by expansion of the region’s training establishments. 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that its chief economist, Brian Pearce, will retire from the organisation in July 2021. A recruitment process has been launched to find a successor in time for a smooth transition.

Lufthansa announced major changes to its ab initio pilot training program Feb. 17, as the airline grapples with the fall-out of the COVID-19 pandemic.