Gulf Air Launches "Irtiqa" Program to Prepare Future Leaders
The program aims to attract promising Kuwaiti youth, preparing and developing them to become part of the next generation of leaders in the aviation sector.
The “Irtiqaa” program represents a long-term investment in Kuwaiti national talent, embodying Jazeera Airways’ commitment to contributing to the continued development of the country’s aviation industry. As a Kuwaiti airline with ambitious growth plans, Jazeera Airways’ focus extends beyond expanding its fleet and route network to include the development of professional competencies and the preparation of future leaders capable of driving this growth.
By 2035, the company aims to serve 15 million passengers annually across more than 150 destinations. Achieving such significant growth requires building a strong base of qualified and experienced professionals across various areas of aviation operations, from commercial affairs and operations to finance, technology, customer experience, and other critical roles.
The “Irtiqaa” program has been designed to help build this talent pool from within Kuwait. Selected new Kuwaiti graduates will embark on an intensive 18- to 24-month development journey that combines practical experience, structured training, professional mentoring, rotations across different departments and specialties, and continuous performance evaluation.
The program enables participants to gain direct experience in airline operations while developing the leadership, commercial, and operational skills necessary to take on greater responsibilities as Jazeera Airways grows.
Speaking on the initiative, Prathan Pasupathy, CEO of Jazeera Airways, said: “We are proud to be a Kuwaiti airline that has continued its growth for over two decades and remains committed to supporting the ambitions of Kuwait Vision 2035. The next phase of our growth will require more than just adding new aircraft and destinations; it demands talented, qualified, and experienced personnel who understand the nature of our business and are ready to lead it in the future.”
He added: “Therefore, the Irtiqaa program is an investment not only in the future of Jazeera Airways but also in the future of Kuwait’s aviation sector. We aim to give ambitious Kuwaiti youth the opportunity to gain close exposure to the aviation industry, acquire valuable practical experience, and develop their capabilities to become confident and competent leaders. As Jazeera Airways grows, we want Kuwaiti talent to grow with us, taking on greater responsibilities and contributing to enhancing Kuwait’s position on the regional and global aviation map.”
The “Irtiqaa” program provides graduates with a structured pathway toward future leadership roles, combining on-the-job and off-the-job training, job rotations across departments, and multi-disciplinary experience in various areas of the aviation sector. Trainees will also participate in quarterly business projects, attend operational meetings, utilize e-learning resources, and work closely with dedicated professional mentors.
For her part, Jenny Sethi, Head of Human Resources at Jazeera Airways, said: “We believe that our future is built on the talent we attract to our company today. We consider the development of Kuwaiti talent an essential part of our growth plans and our responsibility as a national airline. The Irtiqaa program aims to identify outstanding Kuwaiti youth at the beginning of their careers and invest in their potential by providing them with the expertise, opportunities, and support they need to develop into the future leaders of the aviation sector. As Jazeera Airways continues to expand, developing internal talent will be a key factor in our success. Through Irtiqaa, we provide a platform for Kuwaiti youth to grow with Jazeera Airways, take on greater responsibilities, and actively participate in shaping the future of our company and the aviation sector in Kuwait.”
Each trainee will follow an individual professional and personal development plan divided into four organized phases, featuring clear objectives, defined milestones, and development requirements throughout the program. Participants’ progress will also be assessed periodically based on their performance, project achievements, and skill development, ensuring their readiness to assume increasing levels of responsibility.
Through the Irtiqaa program, Jazeera Airways is building promising career paths for Kuwaiti youth. By investing in national talent today, the company contributes to empowering and preparing the next generation of leaders in Kuwait’s aviation sector.
