This school, set to be a key player in Africa's aviation sector, will provide comprehensive training in piloting, aircraft maintenance, and other vital skills necessary for air transportation. It aims to meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals as Rwanda's aviation industry continues to grow.
The CEAS will be built by Akagera Aviation, a company already known for providing domestic air services and operating a pilot training school that trains up to 20 students annually. Upon completion, the new facility will have the capacity to train 70 to 80 pilots annually and will offer certifications like the Commercial Pilot License and Airline Transport Pilot License, among others.
Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, the State Minister for Infrastructure, highlighted that the new school will have nearly three times the capacity of the current Akagera Aviation School.
The school will also be open to students from across Africa, positioning it as one of the leading aviation institutions on the continent.
Construction is scheduled to begin next year and is expected to take 18 months, with the school set to open in 2028.
'This school will play a critical role in producing skilled professionals for the aviation industry, with training conducted entirely in Rwanda,' said Eng. Uwihanganye.
'Rwanda is making significant investments in air transportation, including the Kigali International Airport being built in Bugesera, which will serve as the cornerstone for future aviation development. These projects require a skilled local workforce, including pilots, to drive them forward.'
He also noted that Rwanda currently relies on foreign pilots for about 40% of its aviation workforce, with only 60% of pilots being Rwandan.
The new aviation school is seen as a key step toward reducing this dependency and ensuring the country's long-term sustainability in the aviation sector.
'We need more pilots because, in two years, when the new airport is completed, we will be bringing in new airlines and expanding our services. It's crucial that we have a local workforce capable of supporting this growth,' he added.
Eng. Uwihanganye encouraged Rwandans to take advantage of the opportunity to train at the new school, noting that it will help the country develop a pool of locally trained aviation professionals who can work both within Rwanda and internationally.
In late 2023, the Rwandan government announced a $53.5 million project for the CEAS. However, budget constraints delayed its implementation.
In November 2024, the African Development Bank approved a $23.6 million loan (over 30 billion Rwandan Francs) to support the construction of the school, recognizing its importance in advancing aviation education in Africa.
Additionally, in February 2025, the Ministry of Education announced plans to expand the national curriculum to include aircraft maintenance courses and prepare for the launch of an Aviation Academy.
These efforts are part of Rwanda's broader strategy to develop its aviation sector in anticipation of the new airport in Bugesera, expected to be a major hub for air transportation in the region.
Once fully operational, the airport is expected to handle up to eight million passengers annually, a substantial increase from the one million passengers served by RwandAir in 2024.
Research indicates that over the next 20 years, Africa will need 50,000 aviation professionals, including 15,000 pilots, 17,000 aircraft maintenance technicians, and 23,000 other aviation-related workers.
Over the past 12 years, Akagera Aviation School has trained 106 Rwandan pilots, including both helicopter and commercial aircraft pilots, making a significant contribution to the country's aviation industry.
IGIHE
