Saudi Arabian students excel in New Zealand study

A talented group of 30 Saudi Arabian students have graduated from Airways’ air traffic controller training in New Zealand.

The students, from the General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia (GACA), have studied with Airways in New Zealand for two years, during which time they have fully absorbed the New Zealand way of life.

Abdullah Rizq, one of the graduating students, said he enjoyed the pace and style of learning and living in New Zealand.

“It took some adjusting to get used to living in New Zealand, especially the four seasons in one day that you have here. But everyone was really good to us and treated us with respect,” he said.

“The Aerodrome Control course was the best course I have ever done, and I can’t emphasise enough how much it meant to have such quality one-on-one practical training,” said Mr Rizq. “As we studied and improved, the instructors allowed us to do more and more, and only stepped in as we needed them. By trying new things on our own, we found that we developed our ability and our confidence,” he explained.

Kelly de Lambert, Airways Acting Head of Training, said this is the second group of Saudi Arabian air traffic control students that Airways has trained.

“Airways has a close relationship with GACA, and we’re proud to have trained and hosted these students over the past two years as they studied to become air traffic controllers. We look forward to receiving further groups of students in the future,” said Ms de Lambert.

The students were selected through the Airways Sure Select programme for its Kingdom of Saudi Arabia GACA customer. They spent one year in Auckland studying Aviation English, and one year at the Airways training academy in Palmerston North for air traffic control training. They will now return to Saudi Arabia for on-the-job training as air traffic or radar controllers.