Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways has made history by becoming the first airline in the world to have one of its cadet pilots complete “Base Training” on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner as part of its Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) program. This milestone is a testament to the airline’s commitment to providing its pilots with world-class training, as well as its dedication to staying at the forefront of aviation technology.

‘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 most efficient and advanced wide-body aircraft in the market, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Launched in October 2020, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner MPL program was developed in collaboration with IATA and the GCAA and has been designed to meet the growing demand for highly skilled pilots in the industry.

To achieve the highest proficiency standards, the program 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.

The program provides pilots with structured training tailored to meet the requirements of the airline, its aircraft and its operational environment. It includes theoretical knowledge and simulator training, as well as on-the-job flight training with some of the most experienced instructors on this aircraft type.

Mr. Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Airways stated that, “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 programs”.