Gulf Aviation Academy (GAA), the first aviation training academy in the Kingdom, and Bahrain Polytechnic (BP) have signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding that deals with the development and delivery of various transport based training and education courses in Bahrain. The signing ceremony, which was held in GAA’s facilities in Muharraq, was attended by GAA Chairman Ishaq Al Kooheji, board member Ahmed Al Ali, Acting Chief Executive Officer, GAA, Dhaffer Al Abbasi, Acting Chief Executive Officer Bahrain Polytechnic Dr. Mohamed Al Aseeri and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Bahrain Polytechnic Dr. Hasan Al Mulla.

The agreement, the first of its kind in Bahrain, will allow the Academy and BP to work together on combining and centralising aviation and maritime training under one roof. GAA will be providing IATA courses to the Polytechnic’s Logistics Programme as an authorised training centre. GAA will in turn benefit from the education partnership that Bahrain Polytechnic has developed with the Chartered Institute of Logistics Transport (CILT) with the potential for the future development of a full CILT centre based at GAA. Mr. Al Abbasi said: “The agreement is expected to position Bahrain as the training logistics hub of the region.” “Our aim is to unite the training facilities by investing in the pools of resources of both companies,” he said adding that it will deliver world class services and training programmes to organisations aspiring for growth and development in the region.

Dr. Al Aseeri said the partnership with GAA will allow Bahrain Polytechnic students to be integrated within an industry setting when their studies are on. “This collaboration proves to be a great addition to the academic programmes offered by the Polytechnic; creating more opportunities for students through up-to-date practices and professional academic development,” said Dr. Al Aseeri.