Captain Talal Ageel, Managing Director of Prince Sultan Aviation Academy, highlighting the academy's achievements in Jeddah, Monday. Captain Ageel is flanked on his right by Samina Masood of Cranfield University and on left by Dr. Nadia Baeshen, Dean of College of Business Administration. — SG photo by Amer Hilabi By Amer Hilabi Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Prince Sultan Aviation Academy hosted a guided tour of its state-of-the art training facilities Monday. The guests were treated to privileged access to the Academy's multi-million riyal advanced cockpit simulators for training pilots. They were also briefed on various safety training programs given to Saudia staff to help prepare them for various emergency situations. Prior to the tour, there was a presentation by Samina Masood of Cranfield University's School of Engineering. In her speech she detailed Cranfield's academic programs and facilities. The institute was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2011 in recognition of its class-leading work in the world of aviation. Their client list includes most of the world's leading airlines including British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Air, Singapore Airlines, etc. The university recently honored the late Crown Prince Sultan, former chairman of Saudi Arabian Airlines with a doctorate. Speaking of the award Samina said: “This makes both our organizations feel closer.” The university has been the Prince Sultan Academy's training partner since inception. She added she was looking forward to a further strengthening the ties of mutual cooperation. “This continued collaboration can be in the form of doctoral research or advanced professional development courses tailored to the specific needs of Saudia staff.” Leading the visiting party on the tour was Captain Talal Ageel, managing director of Prince Sultan Aviation Academy. Captain Ageel enlightened the group about the Academy's many achievements as well as its privatization program. To date Prince Sultan Aviation Academy has trained 7,000 Saudia staff and 1,800 outside personnel. “We are closely associated with international organizations such as IATA and AACO and we exchange programs,” said Captain Ageel. Dr. Ali Al-Haraba, Senior Manager Crew Skills Development at the Academy, told the Saudi Gazette: “We have the latest equipment and are leaders in the Gulf and elsewhere. Our training is at par with and even better than that of similar institutes in other parts of the world.” __
