By Staff Reporter
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), in partnership with the National Qualifications Centre (NQC) at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, has launched a project to recognise specialised aviation licenses as national vocational qualifications under the National Qualifications Framework.
The initiative enables pilots, aviation engineers, and certified air traffic controllers to have their professional licenses officially recognised as national qualifications, aligning technical expertise with academic standards.
According to GCAA Director-General Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, the project reflects the belief that professional skills and experience merit academic recognition. He said the move empowers aviation professionals to advance their careers while improving the quality and competitiveness of accredited training institutions.
The NQC accredited the GCAA in 2022 as an awarding body for aviation qualifications, expanding its authority to develop and oversee standards within the sector.
Taif Mohamed Alamiri, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for Higher Education Regulation and Governance at the Ministry, said the accreditation reinforces vocational pathways as a parallel to academic ones, supporting the UAE’s drive toward a knowledge-based economy.
Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, noted that the project was implemented with input from training institutions, operators, and regulators to ensure reliability and integration across the qualification system.
The first phase has been completed, covering airplane pilot licenses, air traffic controllers, and aircraft maintenance engineers. Work is underway to align commercial helicopter pilot licenses and other aviation specialisations, further strengthening the UAE’s professional development framework in the sector.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
