Hong Kong International Aviation Academy jointly introduces first BBA (Hons) degree programme with pilot training

The degree that incorporates commercial pilot training, the first such programme in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA) and Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) have signed a collaborative agreement to introduce a programme leading to a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree that incorporates commercial pilot training, the first such programme in Hong Kong designed to nurture local civil aviation pilots. In addition to the BBA (Hons) degree, graduates will also receive a commercial pilot licence.

Starting from the 2024/25 academic year, a new “cadet pilot” concentration will be integrated into the existing BBA (Hons) in aviation services management programme jointly provided by the HKIAA and HKMU. Students who have completed their business and aviation services management courses and wish to opt for the cadet pilot concentration may enrol in the HKIAA’s cadet pilot programme during the summer semester of their third year of study. The cadet pilot programme comprises a six-month theoretical knowledge instruction course in Hong Kong and an eight-month flying training course at IASCO flight training in California in the United States, and afterwards a two-week multi-crew cooperation course in Hong Kong. The first intake of students of this collaborative programme is expected to commence pilot training in May 2025.

The HKIAA has also partnered with Hong Kong Airlines, HK Express Airways, Greater Bay Airlines and Hong Kong Air Cargo to arrange preliminary job interviews for students, who may obtain conditional job offers during the academic year.

Under the witness of Jack So, Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) and Conrad Wong, HKMU Council Chairman, the agreement was signed by Simon Li, President of HKIAA, and Professor Paul Lam, HKMU President. Also attending the ceremony were Lam Sai-hung, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Fred Lam, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, and Victor Liu, Director-General of Civil Aviation.

Lam Sai-hung, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, said at the event, “HKIAA and HKMU have collaborated to launch the first programme in Hong Kong that allows students to simultaneously obtain a BBA (Hons) Degree and a Hong Kong commercial pilot licence. This is not only great news for young people in the Greater Bay Area and overseas who aspire to become pilots but also a significant milestone welcomed by the government and the industry. The programme will nurture for Hong Kong a new generation of aviation talents, continuously bringing in new blood and talents, while laying an even more solid foundation for the long-term development of the aviation industry. “

Simon Li, President of HKIAA, remarked, “As the first civil aviation academy in Hong Kong, the HKIAA is committed to developing talent that can help the industry meet its future needs. We received over a hundred applications for the cadet pilot programme since its launch in September 2023. Through this collaboration with HKMU, we are responding to the surging global demand for civil aviation pilots by further institutionalising pilot training and shortening the time it takes for students to obtain a pilot licence with a university degree. We also aim to instil pilots with a strong sense of business perspective and understanding to build a solid foundation for future leadership in the industry.”

Conrad Wong, HKMU Council Chairman, said, “HKMU recently became the first university of applied sciences in Hong Kong. By signing this agreement with HKIAA to further expand collaboration between the two parties, a new cadet pilot concentration will be introduced under the BBA (Hons) in aviation services management programme to meet the pressing demand for talent in the aviation industry. The university also hopes to promote degree-level training for local pilots through this collaboration, providing a stronger impetus for young people to pursue their flying dreams while paving the way for a better future.”