03 Apr 2011 , Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS) signed last week a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Transport (DOT) during the ceremony organized to certify GCAS as the first TRAINAIR PLUS Associate Member worldwide, held at Al Bateen executive Airport. The MoU outlines the parameters for the collaborations between the Transport Authority and the leading aviation training centre on developing aviation professionals to cater for the growing needs of the UAE and the region.

The agreement allows for reserved seating for attendees from DOT at GCAS courses while GCAS would tailor special courses to deliver the specific required skills. The joint collaboration will create a platform for exchanging expertise and providing support in promoting initiatives and efforts of both organizations towards elevating industry practice standards within the aviation community.

H.E. Mohamed Hareb, the Executive Director of the Department of Transport (DoT) declared that this strategic relationship paves the way for further cooperation between the two sides, He said:

”Nowadays Aviation became very important for the sustainability of urban and economic development that Abu Dhabi is currently experiencing”. He added: "this initiative paves the way for further cooperation between the two sides towards exchanging knowledge and expertise to improve the air transport sector within Abu Dhabi and the region as well as promoting the efficiency of operational activities, and enhance the quality of services provided".

Ahmed Al Haddabi, Senior Vice President of Airports Operations at ADAC commented:

“It is within the mission of Abu Dhabi Airports Company to develop the aviation industry of the UAE, and without investing in the primary asset of any community, the people, this could not be achieved. GCAS was established in 2009 with a mandate to develop a pool of aviation professionals that would lead the industry into the aspired future. This MoU today with the Department of Transport will serve as a key cornerstone in delivering the needed human capital not only for the UAE but also for the whole region.”  

Signing the contract from behalf of both parties was done by Mr. Mohamed Abu Baker Farea, The Director of Aviation Development & Planning at the DoT and Mr. Ahmad Al Haddabi, The Senior Vice President of Airports Operations at ADAC.

GCAS is the exclusive training provider for JAATO in the Gulf and Middle East region, and is the tenth certified training center to provide ACI courses and is the first TRAINAIR PLUS certified training center by ICAO worldwide, which has attracted the attention of many aviation organizations from across the GCC. As the premier aviation and airport training centre in the Middle East, it continues to promote international best practice in safety and security, and all other areas of airport operations.