Jeppesen establishes ab initio flight school network

Boeing subsidiary Jeppesen is teaming with multiple pilot training centres worldwide to guide cadets through the initial, or 'ab initio' stage of training to become professional pilots.
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The Jeppesen ab initio pilot training programme is the first step in a comprehensive Boeing flight training programme that will advance student pilots through several stages of training from inexperienced newcomers to becoming licensed commercial pilots.

As part of the Boeing Flight Services portfolio, the Jeppesen ab initio programme prepares the student for the jet bridge training delivered by Boeing. This gives students the advantage of a single source of training to move from cadet to jet pilot with the most respected companies in aviation.

“With the growing near-term demand for aviation personnel the industry needs a strong training programme to provide the proper foundation for a dynamic new generation of pilots and technicians,” said Sherry Carbary, vice president, Boeing Flight Services, a business unit of Commercial Aviation Services. “The Jeppesen ab initio pilot training programme establishes the first step of the pilot development process and builds on the Boeing and Jeppesen expertise in aviation training to offer customers the advantage of a full-service platform for student training and career development.”

Jeppesen is working with leading international airlines to incorporate airline-oriented elements into an ab initio curriculum. This will enhance the Jeppesen programme by providing real-world learning opportunities for student pilots. In addition, Dubai-based Emirates Aviation College will utilise the Jeppesen flight school network to provide high quality ground and flight school instruction for cadets and help support a continued pipeline of qualified candidates destined for commercial aviation careers.

"Our working relationship has been fruitful as we were able to bring together the outstanding reputation of Emirates Aviation College with Jeppesen’s training know-how to create a highly successful training academy,” said Dr. Ahmad Al Ali, senior vice president, Emirates Aviation College. “We look forward to seeing the partnership strengthen and we are excited to have been part of the original inspiration to create a global aviation academy. We have seen strong and sustained growth in cadet numbers since our launch in 2011 and have managed to create a unique model for meeting local regional demand while implementing European standards.”

The 2013 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook, a respected industry forecast of required aviation personnel, forecasts a strong demand for nearly a half million commercial airline pilots globally over the upcoming 20 year horizon.

Jeppesen and Boeing are working with leading global airlines, flight schools and universities in the United States, Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and South Africa to prepare the next generation of student pilots and help meet this demand.