HADID strengthens IAE partnership with 50% acquisition of IAA GCC

HADID and Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise  announced the establishment of Intercontinental Aviation Academy GCC, marking a significant milestone in aviation training within the region.Building on their strategic partnership, HADID and IAE are now officially commencing IAA GCC’s operations to serve the increasing demand for world-class aviation training.

IAA GCC has chosen Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT/OMRK) as its primary training hub in the GCC, reinforcing its commitment to a comprehensive, hands-on training model. The academy will feature a modern fleet of high-performance training aircraft, advanced simulators, and state-of-the-art facilities to equip future aviation professionals with the skills and experience needed for success.

Mohamad Hadid, Chairman of HADID International Services commented: “For over four decades, HADID has been at the forefront of global flight support, facilitating seamless aviation operations worldwide. We have always believed in fostering aviation talent and developing innovative training solutions. Our investment in IAA GCC, with a 50% acquisition, underscores our commitment to shaping the future of the industry. Through our collaboration with IAE, we aim to set new benchmarks in aviation training and provide aspiring professionals with unparalleled learning opportunities.” 

Wissam Mehyou, Chairman of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprises, stated: "The demand for skilled flight crew, cabin crew, operations services, and aviation management professionals continues to grow extraordinarily across the GCC region. This joint investment for the GCC Countries strengthens our presence in the region, following our successful operations in Lebanon and Cyprus. We are proud to partner with HADID in launching this investment in the United Arab Emirates, reinforcing our shared vision of growth and excellence in aviation training. Our collaboration is built on a mutual commitment to delivering world-class education and training standards delivered by Intercontinental Aviation Academy, providing a high-quality, local and advanced training experience for students and operators, ensuring seamless integration into the regional workforce.”

IAA GCC’s training programs will be rolled out in phases, with the first phase currently underway. The academy is set to begin student registrations on March 1, 2025, and will welcome its first cohort of students in September 2025. The academy will offer a comprehensive curriculum, including a planned first-of-its-kind corporate training program in international flight support, leveraging HADID’s extensive expertise as a global flight support services provider since its establishment in 1981.

The partnership between HADID and IAE was formalised at the Arab Aviation Summit 2025 in Saudi Arabia, where HADID acquired a 50% stake in IAA GCC. The summit, which hosts key aviation leaders from across the GCC and Middle East, served as the ideal platform to highlight IAA GCC’s vision and dedication to the future of aviation education in the region.