SolitAir and IAA Launch Pilot Mentorship Program to Strengthen UAE Training Pipeline

United Arab Emirates – SolitAir, a cargo operator based at Dubai World Central (DWC), and flight training group Intercontinental Aviation Academy (IAA), part of the Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise group, have signed a strategic agreement to launch the SolitAir Mentor Programme—a structured, airline-aligned cadet development pathway aimed at producing airline-ready pilots.

• The mentorship programme will integrate with IAA’s EASA and GCAA ICAO ATPL integrated training curriculum, offering selected cadets personalised mentorship from SolitAir professionals throughout their training.

• SolitAir will select candidates from current and upcoming IAA cadet intakes (September 2025 and January 2026), monitoring performance at key milestones including ATPL ground school and flight training phases.

• Top-performing cadets may be invited to undertake advanced airline-specific development, including simulator support, base training, and type-rating opportunities through IAA’s training partners.

• SolitAir will also introduce workshops on airline operations, safety culture, crew resource management (CRM), and emerging aviation technologies, reinforcing operational readiness.

• Graduating cadets will undergo a joint assessment by both organisations, and eligible candidates may be considered for employment at SolitAir.

• Cadets enrolled in the initiative will wear a SolitAir badge on their uniforms as a symbol of the mentorship commitment throughout their training.

Statements

• “SolitAir has always believed that the future of our airline begins with the people we invest in today. This partnership with IAA is more than a mentorship programme – it is a strategic step toward building a new generation of pilots aligned with our values, operational standards and long-term vision. By engaging cadets early, guiding their development and sharing real airline insights, we are shaping talent ready not just to fly, but to thrive in a rapidly evolving aviation industry.” – Hamdi Osman, Founder & CEO, SolitAir

• “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to shaping aviation’s future through quality mentorship and airline-driven training pathways from the ground school.” – Capt. Wissam Al Mehyou, CEO of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise and Chairman of IAA Global

About SolitAir
SolitAir is a UAE-based cargo airline headquartered at Dubai World Central (DWC), operating narrowbody Boeing 737-800 freighters across key Global South markets. Founded in 2024 by Hamdi Osman, SolitAir focuses on express middle-mile, charter, and scheduled B2B cargo services with a 98%+ on-time delivery rate.

About Intercontinental Aviation Academy UAE
FlyIAA UAE is a subsidiary of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise, providing EASA, GCAA, and ICAO-compliant pilot training . The academy supports regional and international cadets with advanced training resources, modern fleets, and multiple training bases.

Source: FlyIAA Photo Credit: FlyIAA