General H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces has lauded the role being played by Etihad Airways as a key economic driver. This came during a visit Sheikh Mohammed paid to the headquarters of Etihad Airways in Khalifa City, during which he was briefed on the national carrier's latest plans and strategies for growth and modernization.

Sheikh Mohammed was received by Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan and members of the management team. He inspected the operations centre and was apprised on the network that is equipped with the latest technology for control and monitoring navigation of the company's fleet of 53 commercial aircraft which serve 63 destinations in 42 countries.

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied during his visit by Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court.

He then moved to the Training Academy and met with 50 budding UAE pilots. Etihad Airways gave a presentation about the company's Emiratisation strategy.

Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed progress of 85 Emirati girls who are undergoing training at the academy before joining the new Call Centre in Al Ain, to be opened by the end of 2010 to serve the company's customers.

Addressing the trainees, Sheikh Mohammed called for persistence in studying and acquiring knowledge. "We have to deepen sense of responsibility in every individual and to work hard to realize your ambitions to enhance the image of your country and your company by adopting values of integrity, commitment and excellence."