The Managing Director of ValueJet, Omololu Majekodunmi, has described the ongoing Boeing Advanced Technical Training Programme for Nigerian airline engineers as a significant investment in the future of the country's aviation industry. Majekodunmi made this statement during his opening speech at the programme's commencement in Lagos, emphasizing that safety remains the foundation of ValueJet Airlines.
Programme Details and Duration
The Boeing training programme, which began on June 16, will run through July 29. It is an intensive training session for ValueJet engineers focusing on the Boeing 737 Next-Generation (737NG) aircraft. Boeing is conducting the training as part of its ongoing efforts to support aviation safety, workforce development, and operational readiness across Africa.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Participants will undergo comprehensive instruction covering Boeing 737NG avionics, airframe, powerplant, electrical systems, aircraft characteristics, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting techniques, safety protocols, human factors, and operational best practices. Upon completion, the engineers will receive European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)-aligned theoretical training certificates, further enhancing their professional qualifications and technical capabilities.
ValueJet's Commitment to Safety
Majekodunmi reiterated the airline's commitment to safety, operational excellence, and human capital development. He stated: "Safety remains the foundation of our operations at ValueJet. We started our journey with the CRJ fleet and are now expanding by introducing Boeing aircraft. As our fleet grows, it is important that we continue investing in our technical personnel to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to maintain the highest safety and operational standards. This training programme is a valuable opportunity to strengthen the capabilities of our engineers and further reinforce our commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient operations."
Broader Impact on Nigeria's Aviation Sector
The Boeing training programme is part of broader efforts to strengthen technical capacity within Nigeria's aviation sector and support the long-term sustainability of airline operations through world-class engineering expertise. The CEO of Aviation Techniks and Training International Limited, a Boeing partner for the training, Odutola Olawale, lauded the partnership. He emphasized that bringing together aviation giants would mean a lot for the industry and open it up to world-class opportunities.
Factors Boosting Aviation in Nigeria
The Executive Sales Director for the African region at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Moore Ibekwe Jnr., identified four factors that have boosted the aviation sector in Nigeria. He listed access to credit and dry lease, improved technical capabilities, improved airport infrastructure, and a stronger regulatory environment as the factors that have repositioned the industry in recent years. He said: "We intend to enhance technical support and have specialists come in from time to time to maintain the Boeing aircraft operating in the Nigerian airspace, among other things. We also talked about airline operational safety support. We have several initiatives to work with the NCAA on improving air safety in Nigeria." He stressed that aircraft maintenance has always been a major issue and with their forecast of 1,200 airplanes to be delivered on the continent in the next 20 years, about 77,000 aviation professionals would be needed to maintain these aircraft.
US Consulate Support
Consul General of the United States consulate in Lagos, Rick Swart, said the partnership would help young Nigerians develop capability in the sector without having to leave the country. He also reiterated the company's long-standing commitment to the sector. Swart pledged to continue working with the Nigerian government and private sector to support stakeholders in expanding trade, encouraging investment, and fostering economic growth, with the aviation sector as a key part of this.
Industry Leaders Hail Training
Managing Director of United Nigeria Airlines, Osita Okonknwo, hailed the training, noting its importance to the sector. He said a training of this magnitude would ordinarily have been done in England, expressing happiness at bringing it to Lagos.
