wow check this out, straight from etihad careers website:
Cadet Pilot Programme Administrator Department:Flight OperationLocation:Abu DhabiExpiry Date:31/08/2008Description: Job Role:
This position provides a comprehensive support service to more than 1000 applications which will be segregated and filtered to achieve 24 cadets per year.
This position is accountable to the Head of UAE cadet pilot program and EVPO Operations/Accountable Manager who is accountable for 24 cadet pilot per year.
Key accountabilities will include but will not be limited to the following:
Perform administrative support tasks for one or more key in Operations. And national pilots requirement
Focal point for main operational concerns internally and externally;
Responsible for applications for required Operational approvals, amendments and extensions;
Responsible for dissemination of Operational approvals within Etihad (including outstations), local and foreign authorities (Government bodies);
Liaise with Government bodies (Local) for regulatory matters;
Review all cadet pilots applications requiring action by staff or other organizations and follow up ensuring actions are completed, reply as appropriate;
Administer (cadet pilots records and applications);
Broad range of complex responsibilities involving confidential or technical information;
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Who was saying 4 x 12 = 48 intakes for 2009?? Because according to this job description, the intake has decreased a good 50%
As someone has already said it does seem to refer to the rolling UAE programme.
The 4 courses for next year and the excess places on a November course this year was straight from the horse's mouth at the EU assessment days. They also mentioned that if anything the requirement would increase.
Moreover this application says 24 per year - which indicates a rolling programme so if it were to refer to the Worldwide cadet programme it would in effect be an increase in the availability of courses.
Etihad has just put in one of the biggest ever orders for Aircraft - it would seem unlikely that they would be looking to cut any recruitment plans at this stage at least.
Plus I think it best we don't worry too much about what they might be planning and just hope for the best in getting the places that are available - this is a fantastic opportunity and was always going to be competitive anyway.
Good luck to everyone.