ATC training success in NZ for Saudi Arabia National Guard graduates
A group of air traffic control students from Saudi Arabia National Guard has graduated at Airways’ world-leading
training academy in New Zealand, marking the completion of a successful two-year investment by Saudi Arabian Ministry of
Higher Education.
The Saudi Arabian students graduated at a ceremony held recently at Airways’ purpose-built ATC training academy in
Palmerston North.
Airways Head of Training Sharon Cooke says the National Guard recruits are the third group from Saudi Arabia to
successfully complete this programme. Airways’ strong relationship with Saudi Arabia means future Saudi air traffic
controllers have access to world-class ATC training.
“This partnership brings students to New Zealand each year, on scholarships fully funded by the Saudi Arabian
government. The students spend one year in Auckland studying English, and one year living in Palmerston North and
studying at our ATC training college,” Ms Cooke says.
“Following their graduation the students have now returned to Saudi Arabia, ready to begin on-the-job training at the
National Guard military airfields. They have excelled in their studies and passed every course,” she added.
Spending two years living in New Zealand has provided the students with considerable insight into New Zealand’s culture
and way of life. Abdulaziz Alshehri, one of the Saudi Arabians to graduate on Thursday, said that he’d thoroughly
enjoyed learning more about New Zealand.
“We had two really great years in New Zealand and I am grateful for the opportunity to study here that was given to us.
Our ATC course at Airways was fast-paced and challenging but I really think that we had the best training experience
possible,” says Abdulaziz.
“Our team of instructors supported us throughout and it was great to see how quickly we improved and how our confidence
increased. Although we are now looking forward to meeting our families in Saudi Arabia, we will really miss New Zealand
and all the friends we made here. I hope that one day, I will be able to return and show my family how beautiful this
place is.”
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