Oman Air is to train more Omani pilots, with the intention of increasing employment and career progression opportunities for citizens of the Sultanate. The move is part of a broader program of training and development for employees throughout the company. The program was recently agreed by Oman Air's Board of Directors and executive management. It will provide opportunities for young Omanis to showcase their abilities and contribute to the national development process in line with the assertion of Sultan Qaboos that young people are the backbone of the nation. The program is being put into action with the enthusiastic support of Oman's Ministry of Manpower. Oman Air's department of Training and Development, part of the airline's Support Services Unit, will oversee its rollout. Under the program, Omani pilots who hold a Commercial Pilot's License (CPL) will be eligible to join Oman Air's intensive training courses, which aim to polish technical and practical skills. Once the training has been successfully completed, the pilots will be considered for positions within Oman Air's flight crews. In addition, Oman Air has already met with the Ministry of Manpower and a range of other agencies with the aim of ensuring that the right mechanisms are in place to attract qualified young Omanis to engage in aviation-related studies. The initiative builds on Oman Air's continuous efforts since its establishment to raise the percentage of Omani employees at all levels of the company. As key members of the workforce, significant work has been undertaken to boost the number of pilots employed. The aviation sector is one of the most promising sectors supporting the tourism industry in Oman. The Board of Directors at Oman Air has adopted a strategy that also underlines Oman Air's commitment to the Sultanate of Oman's policy of Omanization at a time when the company is undergoing rapid strategic expansion. – SG
