A high-powered delegation from the East African Civil Aviation Academy (EACAA) has initiated a strategic partnership with the Zambia Air Services Training Institute (ZASTI), marking a significant step toward regional harmonisation and capacity building in the air transport sector.
The visit, led by the EACAA’s Management Advisory Task Force (MATF), underscores a concerted effort to address the ‘ever dwindling number of professionals’ crucial for the continent’s booming aviation industry.
Regional Collaboration for Aviation Excellence
The EACAA delegation, headed by Mr. Wonekha Sam, General Manager Regional Airports at Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) and Chairman of the MATF’s Finance and Administration Committee, paid a courtesy call on the Director General of Zambian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Capt. Derrick Luembe.
According to Wonekha, the “primary mission is a collaboration for knowledge exchange that aims to foster regional growth and elevate aviation training standards across East and Southern Africa.”
EACAA Representation
The team from EACAA included key technical experts such as Capt. Frank Mulindwa (Head of Pilot training) and MATF members Ms. Mary Frances Atima and Mr. Fredrick Wabwire.
Zambian Hosts
The delegation was warmly received at ZASTI by the Acting Principal, Capt. William Ngoma, signalling Zambia’s readiness to engage in this vital regional effort.
The EACAA, historically known as the Soroti Flying School, is a crucial training institution for pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers in the East African region.
The ZASTI, on the other hand, is Zambia’s national aviation training institution, providing a strong foundation for this inter-regional partnership.
Addressing the Professional Gap
Capt. Luembe noted that the newly forged collaboration “will prioritise the exchange of aviation professionals and students between the East African Community (EAC) and Zambia.”
This initiative, he stressed, directly addresses the global shortage of skilled personnel, including pilots, engineers, and air traffic controllers, which poses a long-term risk to the air transport sector.
This professional exchange is expected to benefit the partners in the following ways:
Harmonise Training Standards
Aligning curricula and quality assurance across regional institutions ensures graduates meet consistent international and regional requirements. The EAC already has the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) working to harmonise safety standards.
Boost Capacity
By sharing resources, instructors, and best practices, both EACAA and ZASTI can enhance their capacity to train a greater number of highly competent aviation professionals.
Foster Regional Integration
The partnership serves as a tangible example of deeper cooperation between African states, promoting mobility of skilled labour and supporting the continent’s ambition for a single air transport market.
This joint effort is set to significantly contribute to the development of a more skilled, safer, and competitive African air transport industry.