Etihad Airways recently completed the Base Training of its Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) programme on an actual Boeing 787 Dreamliner. ‘Base Training’ flights are used to train cadet pilots on take-off and landings under the supervision of a qualified instructor. After this step, the cadet pilots will further progress their training on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner MPL programme was launched in October 2020 in collaboration with IATA and the GCAA to meet the growing demand for highly skilled pilots in the industry. Interestingly Etihad is among the first airlines in the world and first in the Middle East to start a MPL programme on Boeing 787 fleet.
Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Airways said: "Etihad’s UAE national cadet pilots are the first to complete this significant milestone on one of the world’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner MPL programmes. This achievement is a testament to Etihad’s commitment to continuously invest and develop our UAE national talent by adopting state-of-the-art training methodologies. Through this programme, Etihad’s cadet pilots will receive the most advanced training in commercial aviation as we prepare for our continued growth in 2023 and beyond”.
Etihad claims that this programme trains cadets to become fully qualified Boeing 787 Dreamliner pilots through an accelerated and highly advanced curriculum that capitalises on leading industry learning techniques and technology.