Aviation University Plans Major Expansion to Meet Africa’s Demand

Addis Ababa, January 26, 2026 (ENA) -The Ethiopian Aviation University has announced plans to double its annual student intake within the next five years, aiming to respond Africa's growing demand for skilled aviation professionals to be competent across global market. 

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ethiopian Aviation University President Leake Tadesse said currently, the university admits around 4,000 students each year. Leake said this figure is expected to double within five years, supported by ongoing expansion projects.

“We are building an additional campus so that we can double our intake capacity in the coming five years,” he affirmed. 

He added that the university is also moving into graduate-level education, with preparations underway to launch master’s programs in innovation and innovation management. 

Leake further noted that Ethiopia’s expanding aviation infrastructure will create new opportunities for training institutions.

According to him, the institution has firmly positioned itself as a leading aviation training hub on the continent.

“Ethiopian Aviation University has been pioneering African aviation training,” he said. 

The university which has been operational for nearly six years, has rapidly expanded its training capacity, diversified its academic programs, and extended its reach to serve trainees from numerous countries. 

The university currently offers training in almost all major aviation disciplines, including pilot training, cabin crew services, aircraft maintenance, and engineering fields. 

According to the president, this broad scope has enabled the institution to play a critical role in addressing Africa’s aviation skills gap. 

“We are contributing significantly to filling the aviation professionals’ shortage across the continent,” Leake said. 

He attributed the university’s achievements to its strong professional training model and close integration with the Ethiopian Airlines Group. 

“We leverage different members of the group to provide strong practical training alongside theory, and our instructors are highly experienced,” he explained. 

Modern infrastructure has also been a key factor in attracting trainees from different parts of the world. 

“We have advanced simulators and fully equipped laboratories that enhance the quality of training and attract a diverse student body, even though African countries remain our main clients,” he said. 

Referring to the cornerstone laying of Bishoftu International Airport, he said the growth of the airline and the acquisition of additional aircraft will increase demand for skilled personnel. 

“There will be a need to train pilots, technicians, and other aviation professionals,” he said.

According to him, the new airport will further strengthen the university’s role in workforce development. 

“Bishoftu International Airport will bring additional opportunity for the Aviation University, and we will increase our capacity to train the personnel required to achieve our mission,” he concluded. 

On January 17, 2026, Ethiopian Airlines Aviation University reaffirmed its position as Africa’s leading aviation center of excellence after graduating 457 professionals from 12 countries, including Nigeria, Italy, and Yemen, contributing directly to easing the global shortage of skilled aerospace professionals. 

As the region’s oldest and largest aviation training institution, the university continues to play a vital role in human capital development and economic growth, leveraging the Ethiopian Airlines Group’s extensive infrastructure, international hub, and aviation-related services.