HKIAA Signs MoU with HK Express and Greater Bay Airlines to Nurture the Next Generation of Airline Pilots

On 7 September 2023, The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA) signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with HK Express (HKE) and Greater Bay Airlines (GBA), respectively, aiming to provide career opportunities to the pilots-to-be and establish a talent pipeline to the local aviation industry.

Recovery of the global aviation industry is in sight, and the demand for qualified pilots in Hong Kong and the Mainland is expected to remain strong. The HKIAA’s Flight Training and Engineering Training Centre leverages collaboration with industry partners to develop a series of highly effective pilot training, supporting the sustainable development of the aviation industry in Hong Kong and the region.

Mr Simon LI, President of HKIAA and Ms Jeanette MAO, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HKE, signed the MoU under the witness of Captain Jack IP, Director of Flight Training and Engineering of HKIAA, and Captain Rodrigo MAROCCO, General Manager, Training, Flight Operations of HKE. Mr LI then signed another MoU with Ms Liza NG, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of GBA, under the witness of Captain IP and Captain Kai CHUNG, General Manager of Flight Operations of GBA.

Mr Simon LI said, “The HKIAA will soon launch the Cadet Pilot Programme with an intention to nurture local airline pilots to meet the industry’s increasing demand for pilots. We are delighted the programme is well-supported by home-based carriers. Following the partnership with Hong Kong Airlines (HKA), HKIAA is pleased to have sought support from HKE and GBA to become the partner airlines to offer job interviews to the programme students. We hope this new course will inspire aspiring talents to join the profession, further reinforcing Hong Kong as a civil aviation hub and training centre.

Ms Jeanette MAO, CEO of HKE, added, “We are committed to continuing to nurture young local talents and invest in the long-term development of the Hong Kong aviation hub. As travel demand rebounds, we will continue to expand our fleet and our destinations. The collaboration with HKIAA provides a sound foundation for the development and talent supply chain in the aviation industry. We look forward to welcoming students with a passion for joining the aviation industry and becoming part of our team upon their graduation.” Ms Liza NG, COO of GBA, also welcomes the launch of the programme. “GBA’s network continues to expand since we commenced scheduled service in July 2022. I believe this programme will benefit the airline by nurturing more pilots as we are adding more destinations and growing our fleet to meet the market demand,” Ms NG said.

Under the MoUs, Hong Kong Airlines, HK Express and Greater Bay Airlines will offer preliminary interviews to the students of HKIAA’s Cadet Pilot Programme and interviews for the post of Second Officer to the graduates.