flydubai launches 10-week Flight Dispatcher Cadet Programme
New course will equip Emirati talent with operational and technical aviation skills
DUBAI – flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates Aviation University to launch a Flight Dispatcher Cadet Programme, strengthening the carrier’s commitment to national workforce development.
The MoU was signed by Nasser Binkherbash, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at flydubai, and Professor Ahmad Al Ali, Vice Chancellor of Emirates Aviation University, in a ceremony attended by senior airline executives including Hamad Obaidalla and Mick Hills.
The programme is set to launch in July 2026, targeting Emirati nationals.
Cadet programme details
Under the initiative, candidates will enrol in the Flight Dispatcher Initial Course (FDIC) at Emirates Aviation University in Dubai. The FDIC is a 10-week course approved by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) under CAR Part II regulations. It prepares cadets for a flight dispatcher licence by covering aviation law, meteorology, navigation, aircraft performance, weight and balance, human factors, and flight planning.
The course emphasises coordination with pilots to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.
Future workforce development
The programme forms part of flydubai’s broader strategy to create structured career paths for Emirati nationals with no prior aviation experience. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Course Completion upon passing the written, oral, and practical exams, positioning them for long-term careers in aviation. Nasser Binkherbash said the initiative not only supports internal training and succession planning but also contributes to national development by creating job opportunities and nurturing future aviation professionals, including flight dispatchers, engineers, and pilots.
Professor Ahmad Al Ali highlighted Emirates Aviation University’s expertise in developing targeted aviation training over three decades, stating the collaboration will harness this expertise to deliver a purposeful programme for Emirati talent. By working together, flydubai and the university aim to strengthen the airline’s in-house capabilities, support operational efficiency, and enhance the UAE’s human capital in aviation.
flydubai’s partnership complements its existing initiatives, such as the Ab Initio Pilot Training (MPL) programme, Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Apprenticeship, and a range of internships. Collectively, these efforts build a resilient, skilled, and future-ready aviation workforce while providing Emirati nationals with meaningful career pathways in the sector.