By Prosper Makene

The National Institute of Transport (NIT)’s new  International Air Transport Association (IATA) short courses are expected to attract more aviation personnel, particularly young inspired aviators who will add up the number of competent aviation professionals in the country and region.

“NIT is currently an IATA Authorized Training Center (ATC) registered to offer Airline Customer Service, Airline Marketing, Airport Operations Fundamentals and Global Distribution Systems Fares and Ticketing – Amadeus,” the NIT’s School of Aviation and Technology Principal Denis Mwageni said.

Mwageni also said that the IATA programs are coordinated by the Department of Flying and Operations Management which intends to commence enrolment in May 2021.

Aircraft maintenance students at NIT in a practical session

On other development, the School of Aviation and Technology Principal said that NIT is planning to develop Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Tailor made courses aimed at upgrading the currently employed non-licensed aircraft maintenance technicians.

“During the survey for the development of the aircraft maintenance engineering programs, it came to the attention of the institute that despite the lack of licensed engineers there was a poor facilitation of aircraft maintenance technicians being supported to obtain their TCAA licenses,” he said.

Insisting, “In solving this matter the Institute through its department of Aeronautical Engineering is in the process of developing six professional programs aimed at non-licensed aircraft maintenance technicians and aircraft engineering graduates.”

“The programs to be developed are Airframe (dealing with aircraft structures), Power Plant (dealing with aircraft engines, propulsion and propellers), Avionics – Electrical, Avionics – Instruments, Avionics – Radio Communication and Navigation, Avionics – Radio Communication and Navigation and Avionics – Radar. The department is expected to enroll students for the mentioned programs by June, 2021,” he concluded.