What's Happening?
Namibia has taken a significant step in developing its domestic aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) workforce with the graduation of the first group of locally trained aviation maintenance students. This initiative is spearheaded by Westair
Aviation and its training subsidiary, Signa Aviation Services. The establishment of this training school marks a milestone in Namibia's aviation sector, as it is the first to offer a curriculum for aviation maintenance engineers (AME) within the country. Previously, aspiring AMEs had to complete their training in South Africa. The new facility, located near Westair Aviation's hangar at Eros Airport in Windhoek, includes state-of-the-art classrooms and a fully equipped technical training area. The program involves a comprehensive three-year training that includes theoretical, practical, and on-the-job training. Upon completion, students undergo a trade preparation week before taking their final examinations, which are conducted by an examiner designated by the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Why It's Important?
The establishment of Namibia's first MRO school is crucial for reducing the country's reliance on foreign training and assessment bodies, thereby enhancing local capacity and technical qualifications. This development is particularly significant given the projected demand for aviation technicians in Africa. According to Boeing's 2025 Pilot and Technician Outlook, Africa will require 24,000 new technicians by 2044. By training and retaining talent locally, Namibia can contribute to meeting this demand while also empowering its workforce. The initiative aligns with broader efforts across Africa to bolster the MRO workforce, as seen with similar programs in countries like South Africa, Ghana, and Ethiopia. The program not only benefits Namibia but also positions its graduates for opportunities in the global aviation industry, as evidenced by a recent graduate securing a position with Lufthansa Technik in Germany.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, Signa Aviation Services and Westair Aviation plan to expand the training program to accommodate the growing demand for aviation technicians. They aim to obtain regulatory approvals from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, which would further enhance the program's credibility and appeal. Additionally, other African countries are expected to continue their efforts in developing MRO capabilities, with initiatives such as Airbus's new maintenance customer support center in Johannesburg and Rwanda's planned Center of Excellence in Aviation Skills set to open in 2028. These developments indicate a concerted effort across the continent to harmonize training standards and boost technical training in the aviation sector.
