A pilot practises in a flight simulator in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province in south China, on 13 June (XINHUA) 

Abiot Hailu, 58, is a veteran pilot in Ethiopia. He currently flies commercial cargo and chartered aircraft and has over 32 years’ experience as a pilot. Hailu has flown almost all sizes of aircraft since he began his career as a pilot at the age of 26, moving on to become a captain in large airline companies such as Ethiopian Airlines and is presently employed at Aquarius Aviation, an aircraft rental company located in Addis Ababa. 

“I plan to fly aircraft for more years as it is what I depend on to make a living. I also work closely with other companies and offer them my services on a part-time basis,” said Hailu. “As pilots, a lot is expected of us. We carry valuable human life when we fly passengers. In fact, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations, all pilots are required to undergo a mental health assessment every six months.” 

IATA is an international air safety organisation founded in Havana, Cuba in 1945. Its members are airline companies and aviation organisations such as International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). ICAO is a United Nations Agency tasked with air safety and almost every country in the world is a member. 　  

Pilot tech training 

To keep up with changing levels of technology, Hailu said Ethiopian pilots have been undergoing refresher training courses in China.  

“Piloting is a continuous process of learning. With changing times of technology, we have to learn new skills in this profession. Also, the new aircraft that come into the market are manufactured by companies that apply new technological features on them,” said Hailu, adding that, “We work closely with international aviation agencies such as ICAO and IATA, in case of anything that needs attention.” Hailu received refresher training at the School of Aeronautics and Aviation, Tsinghua University, Beijing. 

According to Ethiopia’s recently appointed Transport and Logistics Minister Alemu Semie, the refresher training is very important as it improves aviation standards in the country. Good bilateral relations with China have paved the way for new opportunities and employment. 

“Ethiopia has invested a lot of money and resources in aviation development. We have built Bole International Airport, one of the most [well] equipped in Africa. We have also ensured the national carrier Ethiopian Airlines has the best trained pilots in Africa. We have also help to put other pilots in smaller aviation companies under this training programme in China. As a ministry, we usually pay a small percentage amount of the training costs, while the companies cater for the rest,” said Semie. “We have trained about 345 pilots so far. But we have to pull up our socks and train more. For instance, Ethiopian Airlines has 1,800 pilots and we have only managed [to send] 5 percent [for training]; but we believe as time progresses, we will achieve our target of 100 percent of all pilots [to be sent for extra training] in this country,” said Semie. 

According to him, in the coming months, he will launch a pilot training programme, which will be done in consultation with established pilots and trainers.  

“During our training sessions [in China], we go through vigorous activities that improve our skills. We learn communication, workload management, situational awareness, how to solve problems while flying and making quick decisions,” said Hailu, adding that technology is always part of the programme, most notable in the form of artificial intelligence (AI). 

“AI analyses sensor data and detects potential failure of different equipment. AI is the future of technology and we have to embrace it. We also learn how to manage flight path automation. It’s a rigorous learning process that needs dedication,” said Hailu. Once he retires from flying professionally, he hopes to start his own aviation school. 

Semie estimates that the profession is growing each year, but only a small number become successful professionals. 

It is estimated that there are over 4,800 pilots licensed in Ethiopia, according to Semie. 

　　An Ethiopian Airlines plane (ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES) 

Sought after career 

Major airlines in Ethiopia, such as Ethiopian Airlines, often send their pilots to China for short courses. The courses last between six to 12 months. The expenses are either paid by the Chinese government or the airline companies themselves.  

Ethiopian Airlines sends 200  pilots for training in China each year, while other smaller airline companies also do similar with their staff. 

The Ethiopian government says that this programme will continue for some time as there is no specific expiry date. 

Meanwhile, Habiba Ali is a young married Ethiopian woman in the process of becoming a pilot. 

“I have already applied to join Xinjin Flight College of Civil Aviation Flight University of China in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. My application has been approved and I am excited as I have always dreamed of becoming a flight captain of big airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines or British Airways,” she said. 

There are many such people in Ethiopia who aspire to be pilots and the government estimates that it is among the fastest growing careers. Subsequently, competition in this profession is very fierce and the demand outstrips those who qualify.  

In addition, with the retirement age for airline pilots in Ethiopia set at 67, the government hopes to increase numbers of pilots as the veterans retire, by setting the recruitment age at 22. 

“I have to say that to be a pilot is a calling. It ranks high with other prestigious careers like being a lawyer, doctor, engineer, nurse, high ranking entrepreneur or an architect,” said Habiba.  

The African Development Bank estimates that Ethiopia’s economy will grow at an average of 6 percent this year.  This helps to ensure that the country’s job market remains stable and sees the country having one of the highest expatriate populations in Africa.  

“Many expatriates love flying. They apply for commercial or small jet licences. The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority is the organisation that issues licences to pilots. You can be as young as 17 to get a pilot’s licence,” said Habiba.  

John Dee, an American citizen who has lived in Ethiopia most of his life since childhood, says many people would like to be employed by Ethiopian Airlines. 

“It’s an added advantage to the career of any pilot. I failed my pilot exams, but I will be trying a second time. Other aviation companies here are East African Aviation, Trans Nation Airways, and several small commercial and teaching companies,” said Dee. 

Ethiopian Airlines says as it encounters growing competition from its major rival Kenya Airways, the Ethiopian government and the airline company hope the technical skills training in China will keep them ahead of the pack.