GE engine training centre opens in Qatar

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His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar and the Chief of the Emiri Diwan (above) was guest of honour at the event.

Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker also participated in the opening ceremony for the new state-of-the-art global training facility for GE engines used in the aviation, oil and gas industries.

Above: Akbar Al Baker

Being the first facility of its kind outside North America, it is the hub for training of GE aviation and energy corporate customers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. The facility provides training on a range of jet engines, including the GE90, CF6, CF34 and GEnx models.

The new 13,400-square metre Centre includes five digital classrooms equipped with 3D graphical models and online teaching capabilities. A hands-on component also forms a core part of the facility, with 14 engine bays for practical aircraft engine training.

Programmes focus on training for line maintenance, boroscope inspection and boro-blend repairs. Enrolment has already begun, and the Centre expects to provide between 400 and 500 students with certificates from the Doha-based training centre each year.
 
Speaking at the official opening, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways is one of the primary beneficiaries of this training facility, and our staff are among the first to undergo training here.

“The Centre’s presence in Doha ensures Qatar Airways’ employees are at the forefront of the latest training methods available, receiving instructions right here at the airline’s hub, further cementing the airline’s relationship with General Electric.”

“The GE 90 engine, the largest in the world, powers all of our Boeing 777 fleet of aircraft. The next-generation GEnx engines will power our Boeing 787 aircraft – of which we are proud to be the Middle East’s launch customer when we take delivery of them next year.”

Qatar Airways’ first Boeing 787 is scheduled to enter service early next year. The 787s will feature new cabin product enhancements and will form the core of Qatar Airways’ regional- and medium-haul fleet. The airline currently operates 25 Boeing 777 passenger and cargo aircraft with a further 12 on order.