Hong Kong aviation academy, university team up to offer new degree for pilots
- Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Airport Authority’s International Aviation Academy to launch course offering commercial pilot licence from September
- University president Paul Lam says programme includes business management element to offer students chance ‘to explore other directions’
Hong Kong’s first applied science university will launch a new degree programme for aspiring pilots in September, with the course offering a licence at a cost of HK$1 million (US$127,700) in tuition fees.
The new qualification from the Hong Kong Metropolitan University and the Airport Authority’s International Aviation Academy is part of a business administration bachelor’s degree in aviation services management, one aimed at speeding up pilot recruitment.
University president Paul Lam Kwan-sing said on Thursday that the four-year programme would give students the chance to earn two qualifications, saving candidates HK$60,000 compared with pursuing their pilot training separately.
“The aim is to provide students with an additional choice,” he said. “Perhaps after several years as a pilot, some individuals may desire to explore other directions.”
“By undertaking business management courses [in their initial years], they can leverage their work experience and seek new directions for personal growth and development.”
The joint programme will be offered in the next academic year. Students will have the option to pursue cadet pilot training in their third year’s summer semester.
