Abu Dhabi, as part of Etihad Airways' Emiratisation drive, twenty Emirati trainees have been accepted to the airline's engineering development program bringing the current total number of enrolled Emirati trainees to 86. This represents the highest figure since the engineering training program was launched in 2008.

Richard Hill, Etihad Airways’ chief operations officer, said, "Etihad Airways is committed to developing 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."

Etihad Airways’ development engineering program, is in partnership with the U.A.E.'s Higher Colleges of Technologies and Al Ain International Aviation Academy, offering B1 (airframe and engines) and B2 (avionics) engineering licenses. The program is accredited by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The engineering license graduates are aimed to work at Etihad Airways’ aircraft line maintenance facility, Abu Dhabi airport.

While part of EASA and GCAA licensing requirements, all trainees are subject to on-the-job training (OJT), additionally they will go through aircraft type rating courses (either Airbus or Boeing). The current number of Emirati candidates conducting their OJT is seven.

Ebrahim Al Hashimi, a current trainee engineer commented, “Enrolling in the Engineering Development Program has been a great experience. From day one I have been supported, motivated and encouraged to excel.”