Donation from KQ, GE and Boeing to boost aviation training in the region
By Bonface Otieno Kanyamwaya
Aerospace and Aviation Engineering programme students at Technical University of Kenya (TUK) can now afford hands-on training on a high-tech CF6-80A2 aircraft engine that powers Airbus A310 and Boeing 767.
The CF6-80A2 engine manufactured by General Electric (GE) along with aviation maintenance training books, training aids, reading materials, used aircraft parts and aircraft manuals were donated today by Kenya Airways, GE and Boeing as a joint initiative to enable capacity building in aviation training schools in the region.
Speaking during the handover ceremony which was held today at TUK, Kenya Airways Strategy and Performance Management Director Thomas Omondi indicated that the donation will strengthens KQ’s commitment to ensure a stronger foundation of aeronautical knowledge, skills and more experience to aviation technicians and engineers even as they prepare for job market at KQ or elsewhere.
On his part, Regional Sales Director for GE Aviation in Africa Dr. Rajiv Bissessur said, “As Africa’s aviation industry continues to grow, the need for skilled aviation professionals in the region is also on the rise, and GE Aviation is proud to play a role in the skill development efforts underway at the TUK.”
“The donated CF6 engine, worth $2 million, will enable aeronautical engineering students to experience hands-on learning with one of the most popular wide body aircraft engine in service today and increase the pool of talented aviation experts that will be needed to service the needs of the airlines in Africa and around the world,” he added.
On the other hand, the institutions Vice Chancellor Prof. Francis Aduol hailed the partnership adding that it will provide the much needed practical and research orientation to our technician and engineering students and thus increase their competitiveness.
TUK is one of the three universities in sub-Saharan Africa that offers Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering.
Aeronautical engineering training started at the institution in 1969.
To date, more than 400 student are undertaking engineering engineering training at TUK.
