President of Ethiopian Aviation University, Laeke Tadesse, discusses the institution's history, accreditation, and training programs aimed at developing aviation manpower across Africa. The university, established in 1956, has grown to be a leading aviation training center with accreditation from major international bodies such as FAA, EASA, ICAO, and regional civil aviation authorities. It offers various training courses, including aircraft maintenance, flight operations, and cabin crew training, accommodating around 1,800 students from countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, Zambia, and Tanzania.
Mr. Tadesse emphasizes the university's high standards, including type rating training for aircraft models like Boeing B737, B767, B787, and Airbus A350, as well as simulator training for a fleet including Boeing 777 and Airbus 350. The institution trains up to 3,000 students annually and plans to double this capacity within five years.
International Collaboration and Development
The interview highlights Ethiopia Airlines' close relationship with Nigeria, involving the training of Nigerian pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, and aerospace engineers. Mr. Tadesse advocates for increased international collaboration and phased development of aviation training infrastructure across Africa to meet rising demand for qualified professionals. The university's success over decades is attributed to continuous facility upgrades, strategic planning, and support from the Ethiopian Airlines Group, resulting in over 20,000 trained professionals in Africa and more than 250,000 trained worldwide.
