The Ministry of Infrastructure has confirmed that Rwanda’s new Centre of Excellence for Aviation Skills (CEAS) will begin operations in 2028, coinciding with the completion of the new Bugesera International Airport, currently under construction.
The CEAS, developed by Akagera Aviation, aims to train the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals, offering programs in piloting, aircraft maintenance, and other essential air transport skills. Upon completion, the school will train 70 to 80 pilots annually—nearly three times the capacity of Akagera Aviation’s current pilot school, which trains 20 students each year. Certifications such as the Commercial Pilot License and Airline Transport Pilot License will be offered.
Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, State Minister for Infrastructure, emphasized that the new school will help reduce Rwanda’s reliance on foreign pilots, who currently account for around 40% of the workforce. “This school will play a critical role in producing skilled professionals for the aviation industry, with training conducted entirely in Rwanda,” he said.
Construction of the facility is expected to begin next year and take approximately 18 months. The CEAS will also be open to students from across Africa, positioning Rwanda as a key aviation education hub on the continent.
The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s broader aviation strategy, including the development of Bugesera Airport, which is projected to handle up to eight million passengers annually, a significant increase from the one million served by RwandAir in 2024. Expanding the local aviation workforce is seen as essential to supporting the growth of incoming airlines and broader air transport services.
Originally announced in 2023 as a $53.5 million project, the CEAS faced delays due to budget constraints. In November 2024, the African Development Bank approved a $23.6 million loan to support construction, recognizing the school’s importance for aviation education in Africa.
The Ministry of Education is also preparing to expand the national curriculum to include aircraft maintenance courses and to launch an Aviation Academy. Over the past 12 years, Akagera Aviation has trained 106 Rwandan pilots, contributing significantly to the country’s aviation industry.
With Africa expected to need 50,000 aviation professionals over the next two decades—including 15,000 pilots, 17,000 maintenance technicians, and 23,000 other aviation roles—the CEAS is seen as a vital step toward meeting the continent’s growing demand.
Source: IGIHE
