Hanze University Groningen and KLM Flight Academy initiate cooperation

The KLM Flight Academy in Eelde and Hanze University Groningen today signed an agreement marking the start of a unique combined Technical Business Administration/Commercial Pilot study program. In concrete terms, this means that students will follow a four-year course established jointly by the KLM Flight Academy and Hanze University Groningen. The program ties in with a degree in Technical Business Administration offered by Hanze University Groningen. The combined four-year program will culminate in both a JAR FCL European commercial pilot’s license and a Bachelor of Engineering Degree, in short Airline Pilot & Management.

Since its establishment in 1946, the KLM Flight Academy has been successfully training commercial pilots for the industry’s major airlines. The two-year professional training program focuses mainly on the knowledge and skills needed to achieve the pilot’s license. Developments in the airline industry will soon prompt major airlines to look for commercial pilots who have more to offer than technical flight competencies alone. The commercial pilot of the future will increasingly fulfill the role of a "manager of flight," in his or her capacity as the link between person/passenger, technology, and the (airline) organization. This combined study program responds to these developments by training commercial pilots according to the high standards maintained by the KLM Flight Academy, coupled with carefully selected components from the Technical Business Administration degree offered by Hanze University Groningen’s School of Engineering. Hanze University Groningen is embarking on a  cooperative venture with one of the largest pilot training programs in Europe, which has excellent contacts with renowned airlines. The KLM Flight Academy is KLM’s preferred supplier of pilots and is one of five select pilot training programs in Europe from which British Airways accepts applications as soon as students graduate.

Aviation technology represents a new field of study for Hanze University Groningen and working with the KLM Flight Academy offers the university an opportunity to explore this area. Not only will this serve to enhance the regular Technical Business Administration degree program, it will also strengthen Hanze University Groningen’s position as a center of knowledge. Additionally, the cooperative venture will contribute towards achieving the cabinet’s objective for 2007 of generating a 15% increase in the flow of students into Science and Technology higher education programs.

The combined four-year Technical Business Administration/Commercial Pilot study program will be available commencing with the 2006-2007 academic year. Students for this course can choose to go through the selection process for the pilot’s training program prior to starting the Technical Business Administration degree program or during the first year. The two-year professional training program for commercial pilots at the KLM Flight Academy will continue to exist alongside the new four-year program.

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