Sixteen young cadets graduate from 2009 Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme

The 2009 Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme came to a successful conclusion with 16 cadets honoured at a special event organised by the airline.

The programme, now in its fourth year, is a joint initiative between Dragonair and the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps. It aims to build on the enthusiasm the cadets have for flying, providing them with first-hand experience of the operation of a commercial airline in the hope of inspiring a new generation of aviators in Hong Kong.

Officiating at the graduation dinner were Director General of Civil Aviation Norman Lo, Dragonair Chief Executive Officer James Tong and Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps Commanding Officer Group Captain Jones Wong.  Among those attending the dinner were the cadet graduates, Dragonair pilots who acted as their mentors throughout the programme, and representatives from various supporting organisations.

Addressing the cadets at the ceremony, Mr Norman Lo said: “We see a bright future for Hong Kong as an international and regional aviation hub, so it is an ideal place for young people like you to fulfill your dreams and aspirations as you develop your careers in the aviation industry.”
 

Mr Lo also thanked Dragonair and Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps for their unfailing commitment to the Hong Kong aviation industry by organising this programme which provides invaluable experience for the city’s future aviators.

Also speaking at the dinner, James Tong said the Aviation Certificate Programme forms a very important part of Dragonair’s corporate social responsibility efforts and demonstrates the airline’s strong commitment to developing a passion for aviation within the local community.

“It was the first programme of its kind in Hong Kong, and our aim was to give young people with an enthusiasm for aviation the opportunity to get one step closer to their dreams,” said Mr Tong.
“Over the past four years, 50 cadets have taken part, and the success of the programme can be seen in the fact that a number of these graduates have already embarked on careers in the aviation industry,” Mr Tong added.

Group Captain Wong said: “With the help of Dragonair’s pilots who act mentors to the cadets as well as the unfailing support from other partners in the aviation industry, we come together to empower the next generation to reach for the sky.” 

 Mr Tong thanked the Dragonair pilots who donated their time to act as mentors to the cadets as well as a number of aviation-related organisations and companies for their great support in helping to make the programme a success, namely Airport Authority Hong Kong, Aviation Security Co Ltd, the Civil Aviation Department, the Government Flying Service, Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Ltd, Hong Kong Airport Services Ltd, the Airport Meteorological Office of the Hong Kong Observatory, and the programme co-organiser, the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps.

The 2009 programme was launched in April and the 16 cadets, aged 18 to 23, took part in an eight-month aviation-specific training programme. During the programme they worked together with Dragonair pilots, who acted as mentors, and attended lectures and training sessions, aviation briefings and tours of various facilities hosted by supporting organisations.

Source: Transportweekly