In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series AFM’s Customer Success & Business Development Manager Agata Marszalek speaks with Wissam Mehyou, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE) which operates flight training organisations across Lebanon and Cyprus.

The conversation covers:

1. IAE Background and Growth: Wissam Mehyou founded Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE) in 2018, building on his family’s business legacy. IAE expanded to pilot training in Lebanon and Cyprus to provide Middle Eastern students with high-quality training closer to home.
2. Addressing Pilot Shortages: Wissam discussed the global demand for pilots and highlighted that training academies often fall short of their promises, contributing to a pilot shortage. IAE aims to close this gap by providing consistent, high-quality training that meets industry needs.
3. Partnerships for Capacity Building: IAE Global Training Partner – Airways Aviation Group has one of the most advanced training facilities and one of the largest capacities, This partnership supports flexible training paths for Middle Eastern students in multiple locations across the globe, especially when regional instabilities impact operations.
4. Emphasis on Safety and Quality: IAE prioritizes a “safety-first” culture, implementing self-audits, transparent reporting, and regular safety briefings. This approach fosters honesty and responsibility among students and instructors, ensuring high standards in training.
5. Student-Centric Approach: IAE is committed to supporting students through challenges. Their focus on student success underlines the organization’s dedication to producing well-trained pilots while emphasizing a global, multicultural learning environment.

For more information:

• Wissam Mehyou’s Linkedin
• Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise Website

 You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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