Thursday, April 11, 2024
The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA) and Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) have forged a groundbreaking collaboration today, marking the commencement of a program leading to a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree coupled with commercial pilot training. This pioneering initiative stands as the first of its kind in Hong Kong, aimed at nurturing local talents for civil aviation. Graduates of this program will not only earn a BBA (Hons) degree but also obtain a commercial pilot license.
Commencing from the academic year 2024/25, a new concentration titled “Cadet Pilot” will be seamlessly integrated into the existing BBA (Hons) in Aviation Services Management program jointly offered by HKIAA and HKMU. Students, upon completion of their business and aviation services management courses, can opt for the Cadet Pilot concentration during the summer semester of their third year. The Cadet Pilot Program entails a comprehensive curriculum, including a six-month theoretical knowledge instruction course in Hong Kong, followed by an eight-month flying training course at IASCO Flight Training in California, USA, and culminating in a two-week Multi-Crew Cooperation Course back in Hong Kong. The inaugural cohort of students for this collaborative endeavor is anticipated to commence their pilot training journey in May 2025.
Moreover, HKIAA has fostered partnerships with prominent aviation entities such as Hong Kong Airlines, HK Express Airways, Greater Bay Airlines, and Hong Kong Air Cargo. Through these alliances, students will have the opportunity to undergo preliminary job interviews and secure conditional job offers during their academic tenure.
The signing ceremony, witnessed by Jack So, Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), and Conrad Wong, Chairman of HKMU Council, saw Simon Li, President of HKIAA, and Professor Paul Lam, President of HKMU, officially seal the collaborative agreement. Notable attendees included Lam Sai-hung, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Fred Lam, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, and Victor Liu, Director-General of Civil Aviation.
Lam Sai-hung, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, said at the event, “HKIAA and HKMU have collaborated to launch the first programme in Hong Kong that allows students to simultaneously obtain a BBA (Hons) Degree and a Hong Kong Commercial Pilot Licence. This is not only great news for young people in the Greater Bay Area and overseas who aspire to become pilots but also a significant milestone welcomed by the Government and the industry. The programme will nurture for Hong Kong a new generation of aviation talents, continuously bringing in new blood and talents, while laying an even more solid foundation for the long-term development of the aviation industry. “
Simon Li, President of HKIAA, remarked, “As the first civil aviation academy in Hong Kong, the HKIAA is committed to developing talent that can help the industry meet its future needs. We received over a hundred applications for the Cadet Pilot Programme since its launch in September 2023. Through this collaboration with HKMU, we are responding to the surging global demand for civil aviation pilots by further institutionalising pilot training and shortening the time it takes for students to obtain a pilot licence with a university degree. We also aim to instil pilots with a strong sense of business perspective and understanding to build a solid foundation for future leadership in the industry.”
Conrad Wong, HKMU Council Chairman, said, “HKMU recently became the first university of applied sciences in Hong Kong. By signing this agreement with HKIAA to further expand collaboration between the two parties, a new Cadet Pilot concentration will be introduced under the BBA (Hons) in Aviation Services Management programme to meet the pressing demand for talent in the aviation industry. The University also hopes to promote degree-level training for local pilots through this collaboration, providing a stronger impetus for young people to pursue their flying dreams while paving the way for a better future.”
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
