HKMU and HKIAA to offer academic program with commercial pilot training

An academic program with commercial pilot training will be offer at Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), with the first batch of graduates expected to obtain the Hong Kong Commercial Pilot Licence with Instrument Rating (Aeroplane) in 2026 at the earliest.

HKMU signed a collaborative agreement with the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA) - established by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) – on the program on Thursday. This also marks the first major collaboration between the university and industry since HKMU became the city's first University of Applied Sciences (UAS) in late March.

HKMU has partnered with the HKIAA to offer a Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Aviation Services Management program since 2022. 

Starting in the next academic year, a new "Cadet Pilot" concentration will be introduced, allowing students to obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence in addition to their degree through the HKIAA's 14-month Cadet Pilot Program.

The program will comprises theoretical knowledge instruction in Hong Kong and flying training in the United States. 

In co-operation with various airlines, the HKIAA will organize preliminary interviews for the students, who may be given priority consideration for a conditional job offer. 

The first batch of students is expected to commence their training in May 2025.

The Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Aviation Services Management program, with concentrations in "Cadet Pilot" and "Operations and Management", blends theory and practice and allows students to gain practical experience at the airport and participate in training and internships arranged by the HKIAA to help prepare them to enter aviation profession after graduation. 

Graduates can pursue a wide range of career opportunities, not only as pilots, but also in transportation and logistics, airport operations and management, aviation safety and other related fields.