Oman Air Recruits More Omani Pilots

Following the graduation in March of ten Omani cadet pilots, Oman Air is now recruiting more candidates from within the Sultanate of Oman.

The recent graduates trained at l’École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ENAC), the prestigious flying school based in Toulouse, France. They were personally congratulated on behalf of Oman Air by Captain Moosa Al Shidhani, Acting Chief Officer – Flight Operations. 

A further 13 Omani candidates have now been enrolled at ENAC and are expected to graduate in 18 months’ time.

Now Oman Air is recruiting further cadet pilot candidates, who will receive flight training and be considered for roles with Oman Air’s operational flight crews.

Each of the cadet pilots will be carefully selected according to their cognitive skills and ability to multi-task, before undertaking an intensive programme of instruction. 

The cadet pilots will be offered support by Oman Air throughout their training at ENAC. They will receive financial assistance, as well as help with accommodation, insurance, fees and academic studies. Oman Air will also take an ongoing interest in the cadet pilots’ progress and will receive regular updates on their achievements.

In addition to recruiting cadet pilots, Oman Air is seeking applications from Ab Initio pilots – trainee pilots who are self-sponsored. Successful applicants are likely to be enrolled as Second Officers on a type rating course in one of the Oman Air’s narrow-body aircraft, depending on company requirements.

Oman Air’s Acting Chief Officer – Flight Operations, Captain Moosa Al Shidhani, welcomed the recent cadet pilots’ graduation, and the subsequent recruitment campaign, saying:

“As the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, Oman Air is committed to ensuring that as many Omani citizens as possible have the opportunity to develop successful careers with us.

“We are therefore delighted to see these ten ambitious and dedicated cadet pilots graduate from ENAC, from where they will go on to train with our own flight crews. Our congratulations go to each of them and we look forward to their joining the Oman Air team.

“And as Oman Air continues its ambitious fleet and network expansion programme, we are also pleased to be recruiting further candidates. As a result, more Omani citizens than ever before will fly our aircraft to destinations around the world.”

Applicants wishing to be considered for positions as cadet pilots should be Omani citizens aged between 17 and 26 years. They should have attained high grades in English, Mathematics and Physics at secondary school. Diploma and university/college graduates should have achieved qualifications within a science stream. In addition, before being selected each candidate will be required to pass a range of medical and psychometric tests. 

Applicants for Ab Initio pilot positions are also required to be Omani citizens and must pass a predetermined assessment process set out by an appointed Flight Training Organization. They must pass a range of medical and psychometric tests, and should be under 36 years of age. Good academic grades should have been achieved, including a high level of proficiency in English, Physics and Mathematics. Recognised professional qualifications should be held by candidates, who will also have a minimum of 200 hours flying time, including 100 hours of solo flying.

Full details of the requirements for both positions can be obtained by contacting Oman Air’s head office.

Oman Air is proud to adhere to the Government of Oman’s policy of Omanisation. This emphasises the importance of developing employment and career development opportunities for Omani citizens. Currently, around 60 per cent of Oman Air’s global workforce comprises Omani citizens and the airline expects to see this figure increase in the future. 

The number of Omani pilots employed by Oman Air has increased consistently over the last four years, as the airline experienced steady growth. In 2012, 212 of a total of 382 pilots were Omani. This increased to 224 out of 425 pilots in 2013, and 235 out of 517 pilots in 2014. The number of Omani pilots operating in Oman Air as end of March 2015 is 252, out of a total of 526. 

With the onset in late 2014 of Oman Air’s current ambitious and rapid expansion programme, the airline’s fleet size has increased and is expected to stand at 50 aircraft by 2018. Continued expansion to 70 aircraft is expected by 2020.