The Gabonese Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) recently undertook a successful mission to the Ethiopian Aviation University (EAU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This mission aligns with a national campaign to raise awareness among Gabonese youth about aviation careers and develop technical and operational skills related to civil aviation.
Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Skills
Led by ANAC’s Director General and a delegation comprising aviation experts, the mission’s primary objective was to formalize a strategic partnership with EAU. This partnership aims to strengthen civil aviation skills in Gabon and support the country’s ambition to become a major regional hub in this field.
330 Training Scholarships for Gabonese Youth
Under this partnership, 330 Gabonese students will benefit from civil aviation training scholarships at EAU. The initial intake of 230 students will commence their studies in September 2024. The training programs offered cover a wide range of areas, including piloting, cabin crew, aeronautical maintenance, aeronautical engineering, and maintenance engineering.
State-of-the-art Infrastructure and Recognized Expertise
The ANAC delegation visited EAU’s ultra-modern facilities and witnessed the quality of the available equipment, infrastructure, and pedagogical resources. This visit also allowed for forging strong ties with university officials and confirming EAU’s relevance as a partner of choice for developing aeronautical skills in Gabon.
Ethiopian Airlines Commits Alongside Gabon
On the sidelines of the EAU visit, discussions between Ethiopian Airlines’ CEO and university representatives resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU formalizes Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to supporting the development of air transport in Gabon. The airline has expressed interest in participating in the shareholding of the Fly Gabon holding company, providing its expertise, training, maintenance services, and financial support.
Cost Optimization and Regulatory Harmonization
Negotiations on the financing of training programs led to a 13% reduction in the initial cost, optimizing the use of allocated resources. Furthermore, a meeting with representatives of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) initiated discussions on harmonizing regulations, licensing procedures, and medical assessments. This collaboration aims to facilitate the mobility of aviation professionals between the two countries and strengthen cooperation in the field of air safety.
A Major Step for Gabonese Aviation Development
ANAC’s mission to EAU and the resulting partnerships represent a major step forward for the development of the aviation sector in Gabon. These initiatives will train a new generation of qualified professionals, attract foreign investment, and position Gabon as a key player in regional air transport.
The joint commitment of ANAC, EAU, Ethiopian Airlines, and ECAA opens up promising new prospects for the future of aviation in Gabon. This strategic partnership will contribute to stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening the country’s connectivity within the region and around the world.
