Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) today (11 April) signed a collaborative agreement with the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA), established by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), to offer an academic programme with commercial pilot training. The first batch of graduates is expected to receive their degree and obtain the Hong Kong Commercial Pilot Licence with Instrument Rating (Aeroplane), issued by the Civil Aviation Department, in 2026 at the earliest.
Attended by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, the agreement was signed during the ceremony by HKMU President Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing and HKIAA President Mr Simon Li Tin-chui and witnessed by HKMU Council Chairman Ir Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung and AAHK Chairman Mr Jack So Chak-kwong. The agreement marks the first major collaboration between HKMU and industry since the University became Hong Kong's first University of Applied Sciences (UAS) in late March.
Since 2022, HKMU has partnered with the HKIAA to offer a Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Aviation Services Management programme. Starting in the 2024/25 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 Programme, which comprises theoretical knowledge instruction in Hong Kong and flying training in the United States. In co-operation with various airlines, including Hong Kong Airlines, HK Express, Greater Bay Airlines and Hong Kong Air Cargo, the HKIAA will organise 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.
At the ceremony, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mr Lam Sai-hung said, “HKIAA and HKMU have collaborated to launch the first programme in Hong Kong that allows students to simultaneously obtain an 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 talent, continuously bringing in new blood and talent, while laying an even more solid foundation for the long-term development of the aviation industry.”
Speaking at the ceremony, HKMU Council Chairman Ir Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung said, “HKMU recently became the first UAS in Hong Kong. By signing this agreement with the HKIAA to further expand collaboration between the two parties, a new 'Cadet Pilot' concentration will be introduced under the Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours 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.”
HKMU President Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing said, “The rapid recovery of Hong Kong's aviation industry after the pandemic has led to increasing demand for professionals. HKMU's timely introduction of an academic programme with commercial pilot training, involving industry in curriculum design, delivery and assessment, fully reflects the advantages of UASs in terms of flexibility and industry recognition. The University will continue to communicate closely with various industries to offer more programmes that combine theory and practice, thus promoting the development of UASs and nurturing competent professionals to sustain the social and economic development of Hong Kong and beyond.”
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.”
The Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Aviation Services Management programme, with concentrations in “Cadet Pilot” and “Operations and Management”, aims to train professionals for the aviation industry. The programme blends theory and practice, allowing students to gain practical experience at the airport and participate in training and internships arranged by the HKIAA to help prepare them to enter their desired 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.
