Setting up of a China–Africa Civil Aviation Academy in Mauritius

Discussions for the setting up of the China–Africa Civil Aviation Academy in Mauritius are underway with the Government of the People’s Republic of China. This statement was made by the Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, during his keynote address at the opening of the 27th Airports Council International (ACI) Africa/World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition which is being held from 16 to 18 October 2017 at the Swami Vivekananda International Conference Centre in Pailles.

The China–Africa Civil Aviation Academy will cater for high skilled personnel which in turn will help the aviation and airport sector in the African region to grow to its full potential. He underlined that the Academy will not only cater for Mauritians aspiring to become aviation professionals but will also offer unique opportunities for African neighbours and for countries in the region.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Jugnauth announced that as a first step to enhancing aviation training capabilities, the Airports of Mauritius Co Ltd (AML) Aviation Training Centre at the airport has recently secured the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Trainair Plus Certification and has thus joined the acclaimed international network of ICAO approved aviation training institutions. Speaking about the success of good airlines which relies heavily on the effectiveness of the airports servicing them, the Prime Minister reiterated Government’s commitment to ensure that the airport and its associated infrastructure are ready to support the aspirations of the country.

Several initiatives have been put in place to that end. They include: extension of the airport terminal facilities; review and update the Airport Master Plan; construction of an Integrated Clearance Centre for the prompt processing and clearance of transiting goods; implementation of the “speed to market initiative” whereby Government can cover for up to 40% of air freight costs for the export of locally manufactured products; enhancing ease of doing business and promotion of the continuous upgrading of the skills and knowledge of the workforce.