Pakistan to export trained pilots for foreign airlines

CAA DG says two international companies have expressed interest in the initiative

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KARACHI:

Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Nadir Shafi Dar announced plans on Wednesday 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 revealed that the CAA has already initiated efforts to address the issue.

He said that while Pakistani aviation was preparing enough pilots to meet local airline needs, any surplus would be offered to foreign carriers.

Dar disclosed that two international companies have expressed interest in the initiative, with one already commencing Phase 1 of the project.

The phase includes ground training for selected Pakistani candidates, conducted at the company's academy in Sharjah, where they receive practical flight training.

Eight pilots who completed this program have already started working with Pakistani private airlines.

Under a new plan, the CAA has finalised agreements with companies to provide training from initial cockpit lessons to full commercial pilot certification. The agreements ensure that trainees are not only trained but also employed by commercial airlines upon programme completion.

Dar further revealed that efforts were underway to establish training academies within Pakistan, with plans to finance promising candidates to complete their training.

He also encouraged local flying clubs to expand their capabilities to meet the growing demand for skilled pilots.

"This initiative will significantly contribute to the growth of Pakistan's aviation industry," Dar said. However, he noted that the initial flying hours required to train new pilots cost between Rs100 million and Rs150 million.