Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Etihad Engineering welcomed a group of 15 students from the UAE’s Future Scientists initiative for a comprehensive tour of its 500,000sqm state-of-the-art engineering facilities, located in Abu Dhabi. Etihad Engineering, one of the world’s leading Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) service providers, and the largest in the Middle East, provided the students with a first-hand experience of aircraft maintenance services.
The Future Scientists initiative is a joint venture
between Airbus and Al-Bayt Mitwahid and provides students with the opportunity
to discover the aerospace industry over a three-year period. Throughout the
programme, students will attend workshops, industrial sites tours, lectures and
events both internationally and in the region.
Abdul Khaliq Saeed, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad
Engineering, said: “This is a remarkable initiative for UAE students with a
passion for aerospace, and it is with great pride that we welcome them to
Etihad’s extensive engineering facility. The aerospace industry is one of the
most interesting and growing sectors to work in, and we are pleased to support
the UAE’s ambitions as a global aerospace hub with initiatives such as these,
as well as our own extensive engineer training programmes.”
Mikail
Houari, President, Airbus Africa and the Middle East added: “The UAE is home to
some of the biggest airlines and fleets in the world. The nation has become a
major player for MRO services and engineering and it is fantastic to see some
of the brightest and most talented students discover the capabilities hosted in
the UAE. We are proud to work closely with our stakeholders to support the
development and education of a new generation of leaders who will help drive
future growth in this industry.”
The programme targets Emirati high school graduates
with an interest in pursuing a career in the aerospace sector. By the end of
the three-year period, students will have gained an in-depth insight into the
aviation industry and will receive certificates of participation. The guidance
from local industry partners, such as Etihad Engineering, will support the
students in the continuation of their educational journey and their future
career.
Over the past two years, the students were also hosted
by Airbus at its facilities in Hamburg and Toulouse. The Future Scientists
programme continues this year and the students will relate their international
experience to the UAE’s world-class facilities.