Dubai, UAE, December 27, 2016:  A week-long educational tour of the Airbus Manufacturing Facility concluded last week, where four Emirati students were invited to Toulouse as part of an induction visit organised by Airbus in partnership with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the UAE Ministry of Education.

Over six days, the students got a first-hand perspective from Airbus engineers on production and final assembly lines for the A320 Family aircraft, the A380 and the all-new A350 XWB jetliner.

The visit highlights Airbus’ goal to support UAE’s Vision 2021 to build a diversified and flexible knowledge economy based on four key pillars, namely, innovation, research, science and technology, strengthened by skilled Emiratis and world-class talent to ensure long-term prosperity of the nation. 

H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, said: “One of our main objectives is to support the youth of the UAE and to make sure to enhance their abilities in the field of aviation. As they are the future leaders and our nation depends on them, it is our responsibility to empower and nurture them into tomorrow’s visionaries. In collaboration with Airbus, we are stepping forward to motivate and inspire the Emirati youth.”  

Fouad Attar, Managing Director, Airbus Middle East, said: “At Airbus we are committed to helping mould the region’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders. I’m confident the induction tour has sparked a keen interest in the young minds and have encouraged and influenced them to apply their experience to their future career paths. We will continue to build on similar youth-focused initiatives to support the leader’s vision of building the UAE into a highly productive and competitive knowledge economy of the future.”

Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Care and Activities Sector at the Ministry of Education said: “The future of the nation depend on our youth and it is our responsibility to ensure we empower and nurture them into tomorrow’s visionaries. We value our partnership with Airbus to pave the way to support the growing local talent needs of the nation in the aviation industry. We are confident the students will benefit immensely from this visit to the Airbus facilities and return with a renewed passion and appreciation for the aerospace.”

Airbus, a global leader in aerospace and aircraft manufacturing, champions innovation as part of its corporate DNA. With a clear focus on the future, Airbus is successfully spreading its spirit of innovation through a programme that inspires youth in the Middle East and North Africa region to pursue careers in the aerospace industry.