Karachi (TDI): Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Nadir Shafi Dar on Wednesday announced plans to export trained Pakistani pilots to meet the demand of international airlines.
Addressing a press briefing, Dar pointed out the shortage of cockpit pilots in the region and said that the CAA has already started efforts to address the issue.
He stated that while Pakistani aviation was preparing enough pilots to meet local airline requirements, any surplus would be offered to foreign carriers.
Dar revealed that two international companies have expressed interest in the initiative, with one already beginning Phase 1 of the project.
The phase includes ground training for selected Pakistani candidates, conducted at the firm’s academy in Sharjah, where they receive practical flight training.
Eight pilots who completed this program have already joinded Pakistani private airlines.
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Under a new plan, the CAA has finalised deals with companies to provide training from initial cockpit lessons to full commercial pilot certification.
The deals ensure that trainees are not only trained but also employed by commercial airlines.
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Dar stated that efforts were being made to set up training academies in Pakistan, with plans to financially support promising candidates to complete their training.
He also encouraged local flying clubs to boost their capabilities to meet the growing demand for skilled pilots.
Dar stated, “This initiative will considerably boost the growth of Pakistan’s aviation industry,” Dar said.
However, he added that the initial flying hours required to train new pilots cost between 100 million and 150 million rupees.
