Ethiopian Aviation Academy upgraded to University

ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian Airlines Group’s aviation academy has been upgraded to a university level, its officials announced on Monday.

The academy has been producing professionals in different aviation-related fields for the past 65 years.

“The academy has transitioned to a university offering degree programs accepting both Ethiopian and international students,” announced Kassie Yimam, chief of Ethiopian Aviation University (EAU).

“The University will continue to contribute to the rapidly growing aviation sector of Ethiopia in particular and the continent at large,” Kassie said.

EAU is a member of the Ethiopian Airlines Group along with other business units including Ethiopian Airports, Ethiopian MRO Services, Ethiopian Inflight Services, and Skylight Hotel, employing 17,000 people.

The training institution is often seen as the secret behind the group’s success, producing pilots, aircraft technicians, cabin crew, and more.

After its upgrade to the university, it launched undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the aerospace and hospitality fields.

– Meeting Ethiopian’s Growing human resource Needs –

Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said the academy’s transition “is yet another milestone” for the airline which has become one of the leading carriers in Africa.

Ethiopian commands a line’s share of pan African passenger and cargo network operating to more than 145 domestic and international destinations via its main Addis Ababa hub.

Hopes are high for the university to contribute to the airline’s multi-hub strategy through additional hubs in Lomé with ASKY, in Lilongwe with Malawi Airlines, and in Lusaka with Zambia Airways.

“The University is expected to produce highly skilled aviation professionals and leaders that meet the growing human resource needs of Ethiopian Airlines Group and other airlines in the region,” Mefin said.

Ethiopian says EAU’s new training programs with advanced curriculums are taught by faculty and industry practitioners.

The programs include BSc degrees in Aeronautical Engineering, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, and Aviation Management as well as a BA degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management.

The Addis Ababa-headquartered institution is recognized as an ICAO Regional Training Center of Excellence and has two campuses including the newly inaugurated training center in Hawassa city.

Featured Image: Two Ethiopian airlines pilots operating an all-women functioned flight to Washington DC in March 2020. [Photo File]