Oman Air puts 21 new Omani pilot candidates through training

The programme involves initial flight training at ENAC Toulouse, France, for 18 months. Upon successful completion of their initial flight training, the candidates will go on to undertake a type-rating course, which will qualify them to become members of Oman Air’s flight crew. 

The recruitment drive was launched earlier this year with the aim of expanding opportunities for Omani nationals to become pilots with the airline. Applications were accepted from Omanis with good educational results, aged between 17 and 26 years old. The study costs of those candidates are being covered in their entirety by Oman Air. 

Paul Gregorowitsch, chief executive officer of Oman Air, said: “We are delighted to welcome these 21 young Omanis to Oman Air. Following successful completion of their training, each new pilot will become an invaluable part of the airline. 

“As the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, it is vital that we offer employment and career progression opportunities for as many young Omanis as possible. Furthermore, it is important that we demonstrate the capacity, capability and commitment of the Omani people throughout our international network. These new pilots therefore represent an investment not just in the future of Oman Air, but also in the future of our nation.” 

Captain Ali Hassan Sulaiman, chief officer flight operations at Oman Air, added: “As Oman Air continues its ambitious fleet and network expansion programme, and as we introduce new aircraft such as the B787 Dreamliner, the airline requires an increased number of pilots. This offers us an opportunity to provide the relevant training to ensure that the number of Omani pilots that we employ continues to grow. Our resulting recruitment drive has been a huge success. The degree of enthusiasm with which it was greeted throughout Oman was both surprising and satisfying, showing that Oman Air enjoys a remarkable degree of support amongst Omani citizens. “This is yet another milestone for the Omanisation drive the national carrier of the Sultanate has adopted since inception, as we send our first batch of cadet pilots with scholarships fully funded by Oman Air. On behalf of Flight Operations, we would like to thank the company’s Board of Directors and the CEO for their commitment to supporting Omani talent and capability.”