Muharraq, Bahrain, 24 December 2025:
The senior delegation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University led by President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D., and Dr. John R. Watret, chancellor of the Worldwide Campus visited the Gulf Aviation Academy (GAA), the training arm of Gulf Air Group (GFG).The delegation explored the academy’s facilities and reviewed progress on joint initiatives,including the upcoming Aviation English Course for Commercial Pilots, a pioneering initiative that integrates Aviation English directly into the airline’s pilot standardization framework.
The visit follows a commercial agreement signed between GAA and Embry-Riddle, the global leader in aviation and aerospace higher education, which established a framework for advancing aviation education, applied research, and professional development across Bahrain and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Gulf Air Chief Operations Officer and Accountable Manager of GAA, Captain Qassim AlBastaki, said,“Gulf Aviation Academy remains committed to developing world-class aviation professionals through advanced training and global collaborations. The partnership between GAA and Embry-Riddle reflects our investment in skill development and Aviation English language proficiency, aligned with aviation international standards.”
He added, “The upcoming Aviation English Course for Commercial Pilots, developed with Embry-Riddle, sets a new benchmark in aviation communication training. We look forward to expanding this collaboration to offer additional learning pathways, including degree progression and professional certifications, that will support the growth and preparedness of aviation talent in Bahrain and the region.”
President Butler described Aviation English proficiency as a critical component of airline operational safety. He said: “In collaboration with Gulf Aviation Academy and Gulf Air, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is integrating Aviation English into the airline’s pilot standardization framework. This partnership brings together the university’s academic and Aviation English training expertise with Gulf Air’s operational experience to create a comprehensive model that enhances safety, supports the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) best-practice recommendations, and can serve as an example for airlines across the MENA region and beyond.”
The collaboration between GAA and Embry-Riddle continues to play a key role in shaping a future-ready aviation workforce. Combining GAA’s advanced training capabilities with Embry-Riddle’s global academic strength, the partnership supports the development of aviation professionals equipped to meet evolving industry demands across Bahrain and the wider MENA region.
