Oman Air continues its commitment to train the next generation of Omani cadets with the aim to increase the number of Omani pilots in the airline and contribute to the sultanate’s Vision 2040 nationalisation objectives. 

With 102 Omani cadets currently enrolled in the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) programme, the airline is enthusiastically reshaping the profession of pilots for Omani nationals in anticipation of a robust restart to aviation and post-pandemic travel.

The ATPL programme was launched in 2018 with cadets undergoing training at Oman Aviation Academy in Sohar in partnership with CAE Oxford, and is approved by Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency. Additional training takes place at Oman Air’s state-of-the-art Flight Training Centre at its headquarters in Muscat. 

With COVID-19 restrictions limiting access to Oman Aviation Academy, this year’s cohort of 102 cadets, which includes five female cadets, is completing courses at various CAE training sites around the world.   

“Oman Air remains committed to Oman’s economic diversification and Omanisation objectives by training the next generation of Omani flight instructors and airline pilots,” said Capt Moosa al Shidhani, senior vice president of flight operations at Oman Air. “The number of Omani cadets enrolled in this year’s ATPL programme reflects positively on the airline’s efforts to prioritise Omanis in the workforce. 

Today, among 432 pilots in Oman Air, 413 are Omani nationals, highlighting the importance the airline places on developing Omani talent and contributing to in-country value.”