Intercontinental Aviation Academy (FlyIAA) and the American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB) have launched their first collaborative aviation training program in Iraq, welcoming the first student cohort in September 2026. The Tomcat Batch 2026 began their studies with the Fundamentals of Aviation course at AUIB's Center of Excellence for Innovation and Development (CEID) in Baghdad. This program represents their initial step toward a professional pilot career, with students potentially progressing to practical flight training at FlyIAA’s international locations.
The initiative, established in September 2025, aims to provide Iraq-based learners with an academic entry point to aviation careers. The students undertake foundational theory and simulator sessions at AUIB before transitioning to FlyIAA’s practical aircraft training facilities located in the UAE, Lebanon, Cyprus, or Greece.
Following a successful open day event in Iraq that familiarized prospective students with career pathways and simulator activities, the partnership integrates AUIB’s academic program within an existing university development framework. FlyIAA currently supports over 350 cadets from more than 40 countries and maintains a fleet supported by over 25 aircraft and simulators across five locations worldwide, although these resources are organization-wide and not exclusively located in Iraq.
