23 May 2016 , Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The Gulf Center for Aviation Studies (GCAS), a division of Abu Dhabi Airports, has been selected as a top performing International Air Transport Association (IATA) Accredited Training School (ATS) for Africa and the MENA region, receiving the recognition after just one year of being accredited.

Commenting, the CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, H.E. Eng. Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, said: “Abu Dhabi Airports remains committed to supporting the aviation industry in the UAE and the rest of the region. IATA’s recognition of GCAS’ capability is testament to the fact that we strive for excellence in all that we do.”

In partnership with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), GCAS recently conducted an on-site training session in IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), in Niamey, Niger, for African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) member states, with more than 25 delegates from all across Africa participating. 

The IATA DGR is the global reference for shipping dangerous goods by air, and the only standard recognized by airlines worldwide. The course ensures that participating delegates are made aware of DGR in order to improve regulatory compliance. The intensive six day training session was delivered by a specialist from GCAS.  

“Through GCAS we are working closely with GCAA to administer high level courses that will promote excellence in the aviation sector and also put the UAE on the map as an industry leader. We are guided in this by the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which identifies aviation as one of eight key pillars that will promote the diversification of the economy,” said H.E. Eng. Al Mazrouei.

GCAS is one of the few aviation training centers in the world to be located inside an operational airport. Situated at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi, GCAS provides its students with a unique hands-on learning experience and delivers training solutions to support the aviation industry across the Middle East.