Qatar Aeronautical College (QAC) yesterday graduated the batch of 2008, 80% of whom are Qataris.
The new batch includes citizens of a number of countries, graduating from different majors such as the pilot training division, aircraft maintenance engineering, security and immigration management, airport operations management, meteorology and air traffic control.
HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti praised the full support of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the college, which is a reason for its success.
He also highlighted the continuous supervision of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani of the students' educational programme.
The minister said Qatar has made efforts in developing the aviation and naval air charter service and maintenance education, in the belief that educating nationals and citizens of friendly countries is an essential element in supporting the world of aviation with competent and responsible personnel. This comes as part of the State's contribution and responsibility towards the world, he added.
The minister said Qatar provided the aviation field with more than 1,000 diploma graduates and 2,000 course graduates in the past six years, as part of its mission in this area of strong competition. He added that in light of the strong competition witnessed in the international aviation industry and the changing needs of its beneficiaries, QAC has made efforts to occupy its deserved status is aviation education.
HE al-Sulaiti said the college has a number of agreements, memorandums of understanding and certifications from international universities to raise the level of specialisation and allow the students to study other disciplines such as commercial aviation, aircraft engineering and maintenance, surveillance, meteorology, airport operations management and security management and immigration.
He noted that the college worked on twinning its curricula with international universities as well as exchanging expertise with the most advanced colleges in the world to compete, modernise and to seek the development and excellence in its programmes, curricula and training courses.
The minister said the college also worked on modernising its equipment as well as increased technical training to enable students to carry out the tasks of aviation specialities in light of the competition and development of this sector globally.
HE al-Sulaiti stressed that the certificates the graduates received qualify them to work and contribute to advancing the progress and development of national institutions.
Sheikh Jabor congratulated the graduate students and expressed pride in the new batch that enters the labour market to contribute to the future of Qatar.
He reaffirmed QAC's commitment to playing an active role in the development field and to be up to the challenge when it comes to assuming responsibility towards the country. He added that QAC has become one of the best colleges in terms of accomplishments.
He pointed out that QAC has earned the status it deserves and has been able to have a clear legacy in many international organisations and forums that recognise the college and give academic accreditation to its training programmes.
The QAC director-general said the college has renewed its aircraft fleet and obtained work permits for the new single-engine D40 and twin-engine D42 aircraft, which, he added, will enter the service soon.
He said QAC will host the ICAO 2018 symposium in Doha, which aims to explore new policies and technologies in the field of civil aviation and enhance international co-operation among participating countries.
The conference brings together high-level representatives from international aviation service providers and local authorities, in addition to a number of board members and managers from training institutions to share information and exchange valuable ideas, the QAC director general added.