Airways NZ set to train air traffic controllers in Dubai

Airways has installed a simulator at the facility, providing students with a highly realistic tower experience using three-dimensional high-definition graphics. Photo / Dean Purcell

Emirates Aviation University and Airways New Zealand have opened a purpose-built air traffic control training facility in Dubai.

Airways will provide training for up to 200 students per year at the campus over the next five years. The first course will start late this month.

Vice-chancellor of Emirates Aviation University (EAU), Ahmad al Ali, said the programme filled a critical gap in the Middle East region for the training of air traffic controllers.

"There is a global shortage of air traffic controllers, which has serious repercussions for the aviation industry - particularly in this part of the world where air traffic is expected to continue growing."

Airways is trying to broaden its revenue streams and head of training Sharon Cooke said the organisation would provide a full range of air traffic services operations and air traffic management training programmes at the university.

Airways has installed a simulator at the facility, providing students with a highly realistic tower experience using three-dimensional high-definition graphics.

"We're delighted to be working with an organisation as prestigious as EAU," Cooke said.

"Our track record in the provision of world-class ATC training and technologies, combined with EAU's wider aviation portfolio and educational leadership in the region, sees this partnership well placed for success."

In 2013 the aviation sector made an estimated US$16.5 billion ($22.5 billion) contribution to Dubai's economy, equivalent to 16.5 per cent of the emirate's GDP.

Airways has worked in the Middle East region for more than 10 years, mainly within the United Arab Emirates.