Source: ALTA

  • The Association continues to reinforce its efforts to expand access to training for aeronautical personnel in the region

The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) formalized the signing of a cooperation agreement with the Universidad Provincial de Ezeiza (UPE) that will allow both institutions to collaborate in order to expand access to academic offerings and robust training in the region, as well as to develop academic activities, research and technical know-how projects.

During the meeting at the university’s facilities, Daniel Galli, Rector of UPE; Macarena Forneris, Academic Secretary; Nicolás Klauss, Co-Director of the Air Transport and Tourism Observatory; Florencia Ursino, Teacher and member of the team responsible for the Coordination of Aeronautical Studies; José Ricardo Botelho, ALTA’s CEO; Nicole Lorca, Head of Communications & PR; and Pablo Sgalla, Industry Relations Analyst, were present.

According to José Ricardo Botelho, ALTA’s CEO, “this agreement provides an opportunity to continue reinforcing the aeronautical academic offering in the region, in order to encourage more young people to join this exciting and rapidly growing industry, and to continue training the professionals who are already part of it. We have impressive growth prospects ahead of us and there is a great opportunity to train the new generation that will lead the aviation industry in the near future. This is part of the work we are developing from the ALTA Aviation Training Committee that was born this year to help our members and the aviation industry in the region in a key area for the operation, which is training. ALTA will soon launch an initiative that will help those who wish to continue training to learn about the academic offer in the region”.

The Rector of the UPE, Daniel Galli, stated that “becoming part of ALTA and managing to create these education and training spaces, developing projects and sharing research around the industry, is an honor and a pride, and that is the reason for being of the institution to contribute to the sustainability and efficiency of the future of aviation in the region”.

There is an imminent need for trained and certified personnel for the industry in the region. Boeing, ALTA member since 2004, estimates that 118,000 professionals will be needed over the next 20 years in the region: 35,000 pilots, 35,000 technicians; and 48,000 cabin crew.

This is why ALTA develops partnerships with educational institutions in the region to link the academic training sector with the industry. There is a vast need for qualified personnel and our region has a great opportunity to create more jobs, generate connectivity and socioeconomic opportunities. This interlocution between both sectors improves the academic offering, expands access to job opportunities, ensures labor needs, keeps professionals updated, among other benefits.

Argentina has prospects to consider. In terms of international passengers carried, as of June 2022, Argentina reached 54% of its 2019 levels with a total of 585 thousand international passengers. In the domestic market, the figure reached 82% of its 2019 levels. There are still significant opportunities for recovery and growth and the industry is preparing to accompany it.

In addition, Buenos Aires will host the 18th ALTA AGM & Airline Leaders Forum, which brings together top-level executives and decision makers from the airline industry in the Americas, the Caribbean and Europe. With an agenda focused on sustainability, the meeting will provide participants with discussion forums to advance the main challenges and opportunities for the region. Registrations available here: https://altaairlineleaders.com/register-category/