ABU DHABI, Abu Dhabi Airports Company’s (ADAC) Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS) and Thales Université, the training and education subsidiary of Thales Group have signed a memorandum covering professional training and academic programs.

The focus is on technical, engineering, maintenance and project management training in the field of aviation. 

The signed memorandum is in line with the Government of Abu Dhabi’s strategy to develop and sustain national assets and human capital for the United Arab Emirates’ high-tech industries, according to a press statement by ADAC.

Thales Université and GCAS have been reviewing training programs since 2011.

Aws Al Khanjari, general manager of GCAS, said: “The UAE is expanding its civil aviation capabilities and infrastructure as young Emiratis continue to seek higher levels of professional and academic training within the field.  The partnership will enhance the country’s ability to deliver world-class aviation related courses to future managers, technicians and engineers. GCAS is looking forward to a successful partnership with Thales Université in supporting civil aviation training in the UAE.”

Thibaut Trancart, Thales director in the UAE, added: “Since the early 1980s, Thales has been dedicated to local training and education initiatives. Our partnership with GCAS is a milestone for local empowerment in education, which is crucial for the future growth of civil aviation in any country.”

Alain Oumeddour, chief executive officer of Thales Université, said: “At the university,we offer recognised turnkey training solutions from feasibility studies, design, development, implementation, leadership coaching and support to operations for large-scale technical academies and institutions. This new partnership, under the responsibility of Thales Université Solutions, our department dedicated to customers’ training, will contribute to the development of the civil aviation industry in the UAE and wider region and produce talent with exportable skills.”