HADID International Services and IAE Launch Aviation Academy at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport

HADID International Services (HADID) and Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE) are pleased to announce the operational launch of Intercontinental Aviation Academy GCC (IAA GCC), a key milestone in advancing aviation training across the region. Following months of strategic collaboration, HADID and IAE are moving forward with the development and expansion of IAA GCC, aimed at addressing the growing demand for world-class aviation education.

IAA GCC has established its primary training base at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT/OMRK), offering a hands-on, immersive training environment. Equipped with a fleet of high-performance training aircraft, advanced simulators, and state-of-the-art facilities, the academy is designed to prepare aspiring aviation professionals with the practical skills and global standards required in today's industry.

The formalization of this partnership took place earlier this year at the Arab Aviation Summit 2025 in Saudi Arabia, where HADID acquired a 50% stake in IAA GCC. The summit served as a fitting backdrop to introduce IAA GCC's long-term vision for transforming aviation education across the GCC.

"For over four decades, HADID has been at the forefront of global flight support, facilitating seamless aviation operations worldwide. We have always believed in fostering aviation talent and developing innovative training solutions. Our investment in IAA GCC, with a 50% acquisition, underscores our commitment to shaping the future of the industry. Through our collaboration with IAE, we aim to set new benchmarks in aviation training and provide aspiring professionals with unparalleled learning opportunities," said Mohamad Hadid, Chairman of HADID International Services.

Wissam Mehyou, Chairman of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprises, added: "The demand for skilled flight crew, cabin crew, operations services, and aviation management professionals continues to grow extraordinarily across the GCC region. This joint investment for the GCC Countries strengthens our presence in the region, following our successful operations in Lebanon and Cyprus."

"We are proud to partner with HADID in launching this investment in the United Arab Emirates, reinforcing our shared vision of growth and excellence in aviation training. Our collaboration is built on a mutual commitment to delivering world-class education and training standards delivered by Intercontinental Aviation Academy, providing a high-quality, local and advanced training experience for students and operators, ensuring seamless integration into the regional workforce."

IAA GCC is rolling out its training programs in phases, with the first phase already underway. Student registrations opened on March 1, 2025, and the academy is set to welcome its first cohort in September 2025. IAA GCC offers a comprehensive curriculum, including a planned, first-of-its-kind corporate training program in international flight support, drawing on HADID's extensive experience as a global flight support services provider since 1981.

Further updates on the academy's curriculum, programs, and instructor team will be shared in the coming weeks. Follow IAA GCC on Instagram for announcements and student application details: @flyiaa.uae