The first annual Gulf Aviation Training Event (GATE 2011) has signed up aircraft manufacturer Airbus Industrie of France and the Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies in Abu Dhabi, UAE, emphasizing the conference’s critical role in seeking solutions to the region’s demand for flight crew to meet the requirements of Middle East airlines.

GATE 2011 is taking place on 14 and 15 November at Dubai Airport Expo during the Dubai Airshow (13-17 Nov), and is aimed at key policy-makers in flight training.

Airbus and GCAS are joining other Gold Sponsors, UK and New Zealand-based CTC Aviation Group plc, Pan Am International Flight Academy of the USA, and Horizon Flight Academy, based in Al Ain (UAE).

"Considering the challenges facing the airline industry in the areas of flight crew hiring and training, having Airbus as a sponsor underscores how aircraft manufacturers view solving these challenges as critical to their ability to meet market demand for aircraft and crew," said GATE 2011 Conference Director, Captain Ed Davidson, a Vice President at US-based Aerospace Consultancy, Tetra Tech AMT.

The Dubai Airshow is organized under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and in association with Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports and the UAE Armed Forces.