Hong Kong Metropolitan University and the Airport Authority’s International Aviation Academy are teaming up to offer a new degree program tailored for aspiring pilots, set to commence in September. The program, integrated into a business administration bachelor’s degree in aviation services management, aims to streamline pilot recruitment and provide students with dual qualifications. President Paul Lam Kwan-sing highlighted the program's benefits, emphasizing cost savings of HK$60,000 compared to standalone pilot training.
The four-year curriculum combines business management courses with specialized pilot training, offering students flexibility and a broader skill set. Lam sees this as an opportunity for pilots to diversify their career options beyond flying, leveraging their work experience for personal and professional growth.
Scheduled to kick off in the upcoming academic year, the joint program allows students to embark on cadet pilot training during the third-year summer semester. While annual tuition fees amount to HK$95,000, those eligible for government subsidies will pay HK$59,740 per year. Additionally, students opting for cadet pilot courses in their third year will incur an extra HK$740,000 in tuition fees, still saving HK$60,000 compared to the academy's standalone program launched last November.
The academy’s program spans 14 months, encompassing both theoretical study and practical flight training, including a stint in the United States. It guarantees preliminary interviews with partnered airlines, facilitating conditional job offers for trainees. Before obtaining a Hong Kong Commercial Pilot Licence with Instrument Rating, cadets must complete a two-week multi-crew cooperation course.
Since the selection process began in September, the course has garnered over 100 applications and admitted 31 cadets across two classes. The academy plans to intake 20 more students for the next class starting in May, aiming to train 100 local cadets annually.
