Saudi Arabia to build own flight training centre

Reuters | 6/24/02

[kattracks]

MANAMA, June 24 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia launched on Monday a $20 million project to build its own flight training centre after Western countries tightened rules on training foreign pilots following the September 11 attack.

"It will be one of the most modern pilot training centres in the world," said Mohammed Abdullah al-Angari, general manager of the Projects and Trading Company, a private firm contracted by Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) to build the centre.

Angari told Reuters by telephone from Jeddah the project was expected to be completed within 18 months.

Fifteen of the 19 hijackers who commandeered three aircraft into landmarks in Washington and New York were Saudis.

Saudia officials said the centre will consist of two sections; one for training pilots and the other for aviation safety specialists.

The loss-making Saudia, which flies to 80 destinations, has a fleet of 137 aircraft, including 61 new planes bought at a cost of around $7.5 billion.

Saudi Arabia plans to privatise Saudia as part of economic reforms, and to help reduce its mounting domestic debts, which currently stands at $170 billion.

© Reuters Limited

[GallopingGhost]

1. Flattened Camel Oyster
2. Grilled Dog Chop
3. Goat'i'os
4. Slow-roasted Camel Crap on a skewer

[ChadGore]

"It will be one of the most modern pilot training centres in the world," said Mohammed Abdullah al-Angari, general manager of the Projects and Trading Company, "we hope to to show the students how not to slaughter thousands and thousands of inosent people."

[general_re]

That's what makes the "special sauce", um, special.

It's special, alright. Maybe you're better off asking for the vegetarian meal when you fly Saudia ;)

[general_re]

Heh ;)

[general_re]

Goat and camel seem to be popular choices, but I think I'm going to have to rule against you on the dog. I seem to recall that dog is right out for Muslims ;)