Durban - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the launch of the Fuze Aviation Academy Training Programme at Oribi Airport in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday is ground-breaking.
Dube-Ncube officiated the launch of the programme which is aimed at job creation, skills development and supporting young people in the aviation sector.
“This is a ground-breaking initiative because it marks the entry of black men and women into what even today 28-years into our democracy remains a white-dominated industry,” she said.
The premier said the training programme offers Private Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot Licence, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Training.
“The Fuze Aviation Academy, which was opened in 2021 in KwaZulu-Natal opens opportunities to the girls and boys of rural and urban areas to enter the exciting world of flight,” she said.
Dube-Ncube said the academy has also entered into a partnership with the provincial government through the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
“As the provincial government, we will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure the successful rollout of various programmes in the aviation sector,” she said.
She said one of the concerns raised by the airlines in South Africa is that they are struggling to get trained pilots and cabin crew on-board quickly enough.
“So even as Fuze Aviation Academy mulls entering into full commercial operations, you should be content that there is indeed demand for the crew that you are training at the Oribi Airport,” said Dube-Ncube.
Dube-Ncube said air traffic is set to double in the next 20 years and the African aviation market is one of the world’s most attractive, with high profit and stable passenger growth prospects anchored on a fast-growing middle class.
The premier lists opportunities available for candidates after graduation:
- Some of the students will be able to work with the departments of transport and health in identifying road accident monitoring and data collection, especially during peak seasons and major events throughout the country.
- As drone pilots they will provide real time capture of accident scenes and take pictures first-hand before any interference can happen to conceal crucial information and evidence.
- The drones will also be used for monitoring the coastline for swimmers in distress and expedite the dispatch of rescue boats and medical assistance.
- It is also envisaged that they will play a crucial role in pest and disease control within agriculture, where drones will be dispatched to deliver medication especially in rural areas.
The premier listed the possible career options in aviation, including as pilots, cabin attendants, air traffic controllers, aeronautical engineers, aircraft mechanic, airport planner, airport security manager, airfield operations specialist, airline operations agent and airport manager, among others.
“You are the realisation of dreams of the girls and boys of rural and urban areas of our province who want to enter this world of work that offers so many possibilities.
“In terms of employment opportunities, the world is your oyster as some of the biggest employers are aircraft and spacecraft manufacturers. There is no industry that is brimming with such opportunities and promise,” she said addressing future candidates.
