Dragonair has announced the launch of the Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme for 2009 in which 16 cadets, aged 18 to 23, will participate - the highest number of cadets ever to be accepted. The programme runs from April 3 through to November 30.

Officiating at the programme kick-off ceremony were Dragonair Chief Executive Officer Kenny Tang, Acting Deputy Director General of Civil Aviation Colman Ng, and Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps Commanding Officer Group Captain Jones Wong.

Speaking at the ceremony, Kenny Tang said it was exciting to see the Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme quickly establish itself as one of the airline's signature events and grow stronger by the year.

Mr Tang said Dragonair remains committed to the long-term growth of aviation in Hong Kong, and the programme has a role to play. "We believe it is particularly important during times like these that we hold strong in our efforts to continue to nurture talents who can contribute to the future success of the local aviation industry," he said.

In his speech at the launch ceremony, Colman Ng said: "Thanks to Dragonair for running this very successful Aviation Certificate Programme that offers an additional channel for young people who are genuinely interested in aviation to have the opportunity for a first hand experience in a wide range of areas in aviation through such a scheme."

According to Group Captain Wong, the Programme "has set the scene for concerted efforts to advance collaborations with the industry. I hope that on this good foundation the Programme will continue to thrive."

In addition to seeing an increase in the number of cadets and mentors participating in the programme, the support offered by various airport organisations has also been on the rise. The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) joined as a partner this year, taking the number of participating organisations to seven. Also offering their support are the Civil Aviation Department (CAD), Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (HKAEC), Hong Kong Airport Services, the Airport Meteorological Office of the Hong Kong Observatory, the Aviation Security Company and the Government Flying Service (GFS).

The programme, first launched in September 2005, is a joint initiative between Dragonair and the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps aiming to inspire a new generation of aviators in Hong Kong. Over the first three years of the programme, 34 enthusiastic young people got the opportunity to obtain first-hand experience of various aspects of aviation. Some of them have now become part of the local aviation industry, including working as pilots for Dragonair.

The cadets will undergo an eight-month mentorship programme working together with Dragonair pilots. There will also be training sessions, briefings and tours provided with the support of aviation-related organisations.

Photograph: Kenny Tang, Dragonair's Chief Executive Officer (back row fifth from right), Colman Ng, Acting Deputy Director General of Civil Aviation (back row fourth from right), Group Captain Jones Wong, Commanding Officer of Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps (back row fifth from left) and Peter Sanderson, Dragonair's General Manager Operations (back row fourth from left) with the 16 cadets from the 2009 Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme.