Twenty Emirati trainees have been added to Etihad Airways' technical engineering development programme, bringing the number of trainees currently enrolled in the programme to 86.This is the largest number of trainees to be enrolled in the program since its inception in 2008 as part of the airline's expanding Emiratisation scheme, a statement from the airline company said.

Etihad Airways' engineering program, in partnership with Higher Colleges of Technologies and Al Ain International Aviation Academy, offers trainees the opportunity to obtain a B1 (engineering license in airframe and engines) or B2 (avionics) license in aviation engineering technology. The program is accredited by both the European Aviation Safety Agency (Easa) and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The trainees were chosen after extensive assessments, and once qualified, will become part of the airline's technical division at its dedicated aircraft line maintenance facility at Abu Dhabi airport, the statement said. Etihad Airways' chief operations officer, Richard Hill, said: "Etihad Airways is committed todeveloping a skilled and qualified cadre of Emirati engineers to join its technical division. We are very proud of all our trainees and have complete confidence that the new batch will make good use of this opportunity to gain valuable experience and further develop their careers." Once the trainees complete their academic qualification they then start a full time on-the-job training (OJT) programme to complete the Easa-GCAA practical requirements. They will also have to complete a specialised aircraft type course to finally become fully licensed Airbus or Boeing aircraft engineers. Currently seven trainees are undergoing their OJT and are set to become certified engineers at the end of the year, the statement said. - TradeArabia News Service