Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, March 9, 2024 – The aviation industry is in dire need of fresh talent and two regional entities are now partnered to ensure there is not only a world class educational program, but scholarships for future aviators.

The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus scored big, partnering with regional airline company InterCaribbean Airways securing a Memorandum of Understanding, one of duality benefiting significantly both entities.

Signed on Thursday February 29th, the MOU will allow UWI to further advance its aviation studies.  Also, according to the University in a statement, the partnership aims to cater to the development of the regional air transport sector.

This is crucial as InterCaribbean Airways, as are many other airlines, is struggling with staff shortages which are impacting customer satisfaction levels.

In fact, according to the airframe manufacturer, Airbus has gone on record to say the entire industry will need to hire 585,000 new pilots by 2042 to keep up with the levels of demand. And, its competitor, Boeing, informs that the need is now even higher at 649,000.

Additionally under the MOU, are five annual scholarships that will be offered to deserving students.

“The Scholarships are in honour of Manville “Donnie” Gardiner, the late brother of the founder and chairman of the airline, Lyndon Gardiner,” the University said.

The scholarships will support aviation undergraduate students from the Caribbean, enrolled in programmes like the newly approved Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Aviation Management and BBA in Aviation Management with Pilot Licence.