Oman Air recently celebrated the graduation of its first batch of Omani cadets from the Airline Transport Pilot License program, an initiative it launched in 2018.
The event was marked with a ceremony held under the auspices of Nayef Al-Abri, president of the Civil Aviation Authority Oman.
The 11 cadets, whose training was held at the Oman Aviation Academy in Sohar in partnership with CAE Oxford, will now join Oman Air as Second Officers. Meanwhile, the remaining batches are still engaged in their training with the next batch anticipated to graduate toward the end of this year.
Committed to supporting Oman’s socio-economic development and empowering young Omanis, in the last few years Oman Air has ramped up its training and recruitment programs.
In conjunction with several government partnerships and to support its expanding operations, the airline has welcomed more than 260 Omani men and women into the company since 2022.
“Oman’s aviation sector is fast becoming a value engine of the country’s growth. Oman Air’s strategy reflects national priorities and as such, we continue to develop a sustainable, highly skilled workforce that can support the advancement of the sector, meet the demands of an ever-evolving industry, and fortify our contribution to Oman’s 2040 Vision,” said Captain Moosa Al-Shidhani, senior vice president - flight operations at Oman Air.
“We are proud to have an exceptional team of world-class pilots and crew that includes many nationalities and are committed to ensuring they have access to a wealth of opportunities for both professional and personal growth. Together, we foster an environment that nurtures their talents and aspirations and supports Oman Air in our relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Oman Air’s latest training and recruitment initiatives also includes a partnership with The British School of Excellence and Muscat Hospitality Academy for Preparatory Cabin Crew Training for Omani students.
Last November, the airline also launched “Future Leaders,” an intensive two-year commercial graduate training program that is training 11 Omanis with internationally recognized qualifications and exposing them to all Oman Air’s commercial functions, after which they will be offered roles within the company.
Most recently, in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, the airline launched an 18-month on-the-job intensive training program and internship scheme for engineers, with 80 Omanis currently being trained in its engineering department, in addition to 20 graduates that are currently being recruited for its call center.
As the national carrier, Oman Air benefits from highly experienced and qualified Omanis, not just at entry level but throughout the company.
To date, its overall Omanization rate stands at approximately 75 percent, which is as high as 81 percent pilots, 90 percent engineers, 100 percent male cabin crew, and 93 percent support functions.
