United Arab Emirates – Intercontinental Aviation Academy (FlyIAA), the flagship training division of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), announced the appointment of renowned aviation expert Issam Sultan to its Global Executive Board as Non-Executive Chairman for the Middle Eastern operations. This strategic appointment aligns with IAE’s ambitious Vision 2030 for Training initiative, positioning FlyIAA as one of the world’s leading multi-country pilot training networks.

Sultan brings over 25 years of aviation expertise to the role, having established himself as a trusted authority in global aviation development since beginning his career in 1998. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment as FlyIAA accelerates its international expansion across six countries with planned additions in Portugal and expanded operations throughout 2025-2026.

Expanding Global Training Footprint

FlyIAA currently operates an extensive network of EASA, ICAO, and GCAA-approved training facilities across strategic locations. FlyIAA, owned by Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), is a leading pilot training academy with a growing international footprint. Its flight training bases are currently located in the UAE, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Greece, with Portugal set to join soon. Complementing its flight training capabilities, the academy also operates ground training bases in Saudi Arabia and Iraq, offering students a full spectrum of aviation education and training programs.

Industry Leadership and Educational Innovation

As author of Aviation Awareness 101, Sultan has directly influenced the educational journey of thousands of aspiring pilots. The book serves as a foundational resource for all FlyIAA students, who receive a complimentary copy before beginning their training programs. This educational commitment reflects FlyIAA’s comprehensive approach to developing airline-ready professionals from zero experience to commercial certification.

“Issam’s appointment represents more than adding expertise to our board – it signifies our commitment to excellence in aviation education worldwide,” said Captain Wissam Mehyou, Founder and CEO of IAE and Chairman of FlyIAA Global. “His extensive global experience and respected voice in the aviation industry have been instrumental in guiding our strategic growth. As a trusted partner and visionary leader, Issam brings clarity, strength, and strategic foresight that are invaluable as we pursue our Vision 2030 goals.”

Championing Diversity in Aviation

Beyond his operational expertise, Sultan serves as a prominent advocate for gender equality in aviation. His active support of Women in Aviation Middle East – an organization backed by both IAE and FlyIAA – demonstrates the academy’s commitment to fostering inclusive opportunities across all sectors of the aviation industry.

Meeting Global Aviation Demand

The appointment comes amid unprecedented growth in the aviation sector. According to industry projections, the Middle East region alone will require over 28,000 aviation professionals in the next decade. FlyIAA’s expansion strategy directly addresses this demand through fleet modernization with 21 new aircraft on order for delivery between 2025-2026, including Diamond DA40/DA42 and Elixir Aircraft.

Advisory Excellence

Throughout his distinguished career, Sultan has served as a consultant to numerous international commercial airlines, guiding operational expansions across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. His expertise in flight operations and training development has established him as a trusted advisor in global aviation circles.

“The aviation industry stands at a transformative moment,” noted Sultan. “FlyIAA’s integrated approach to training, combining traditional excellence with innovative methodologies, positions us to meet the evolving demands of global aviation while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism.”

Looking Ahead

With Sultan’s strategic guidance, FlyIAA is positioned to achieve its Vision 2030 objectives, including:

• Establishing unified training standards across all international bases
• Developing integrated pilot pathways from ab initio to airline placement
• Expanding capacity to train over 500 pilots annually by 2027
• Creating seamless transitions between ground and flight training across multiple jurisdictions

Source: Intercontinental Aviation Academy