HKIAA and HK Air Cargo Sign MoU to Nurture Future Cargo Pilots 

On 11 April 2024, The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hong Kong Air Cargo (HKAC), aiming to provide career opportunities to the graduates of the HKIAA’s Cadet Pilot Programme and establish a pipeline to the local aviation industry.

The prospects of airline pilots in Hong Kong and the mainland are expected to remain strong. Therefore, the HKIAA launched its first Cadet Pilot Programme in September 2023 to nurture aspiring talents to meet surging industry demand. Under the MoU, HKAC will offer preliminary job interviews to the students of HKIAA’s Cadet Pilot Programme towards the end of the approximately six-month (780 hours) Theoretical Knowledge Instruction course in Hong Kong, with a view to employment upon successful completion of the integrated training programme.

Mr Simon LI, President of HKIAA and Captain Clifford Hung, President cum Chief Operations Officer of HKAC, signed the MoU under the witness of Captain Jack IP, Director of Flight Training and Engineering of HKIAA and Captain Adrian ARUL, Director, Flight Operations of HKAC.

Mr Simon LI, President of HKIAA, said, “HKIAA is pleased to have HKAC become our first air cargo partner airline. Our first class of Cadet Pilot Programme students will have more options for their job preliminary interviews in May, in addition to our three passenger airline partners. We hope this additional opportunity will inspire talents to join the air cargo airlines, reinforcing the status of Hong Kong International Airport as the world’s business international cargo airport.”

Captain Clifford Hung, President cum Chief Operations Officer of HKAC, added, “This collaboration with HKIAA is a testament to HKAC’s commitment to investing in the future of the aviation industry. We are excited to provide a platform for aspiring pilots to launch their careers and contribute to Hong Kong’s status as a leading international cargo airport. We look forward to welcoming these talented individuals into our team and supporting their journey in the aviation industry.”