Akagera Aviation, a local civil aviation group has unveiled plans to open a modern aviation centre in the region that will be located near Kigali International Airport.

The centre will be offering various training in aviation disciplines including air traffic control, ground handling, piloting, cabin crew, technical engineering and other courses related and the centre will be regulated by Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

During an interview over the weekend, the aviation’s Managing Director, David Baard, confirmed the development saying the centre will be open by the end of next year.

"The centre will enroll both military and civilian candidates since our training will focus on both helicopters and airplanes and the door will be open to every one,” Baard remarked.

According to Baard, apart from one in South Africa, the centre will be the first of its kind in the region. However, he admitted that the trained pilots from the centre will be obliged to go under validations training that would take 10 to 15 days before joining international aviation companies.

”South Africa and other international academies will recognize our licences but according to their principles our graduates may be requested to be validated,” Baard observed.  

"We are building a facility now which will take 12-14 months; and our aim is to develop locally grown experts to international level and we will not be requesting for a lot of requirements to enroll, everyone with a dream to join the aviation career will be free to join.”

Baard, a South African senior pilot, pointed out that candidates will only need a background in mathematics and sciences, good command of English while having a technical background will be another added advantages for the candidates.

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