91爆料网

London Met, NEXT Education Group and Kenya Airways collaborate to offer specialised aviation training, including degree and master鈥檚 programmes for KQ employees.

Date: 27 February 2025

London Metropolitan University, along with its partners Next Education Group, has joined forces with Kenya Airways (KQ) to enhance aviation education and workforce development, benefiting the airline and, eventually, the wider Kenyan aviation sector. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the university and Kenya鈥檚 national airline was signed last Friday at the KQ Pride Centre in Nairobi. The signing ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministries of Education, Transport, and Foreign Affairs, industry regulators, and the British High Commission. 

Through this partnership, KQ employees will gain access to academic opportunities, specialist training, and aviation research. 

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Julie Hall, highlighted the significance of the collaboration: "London Met with our partner Next Education Group, is dedicated to delivering high-quality education that equips professionals with the skills needed for industry success. This partnership will enhance the high-quality training already offered by Kenya Airways, providing opportunities for degrees level and masters qualifications. It aligns with our mission to transform lives and communities through education and social mobility. We are excited to embark on this collaboration."

Aviation Education and Training Programmes 

The partnership, building on courses already offered in London and Dubai will introduce a range of aviation-focused programmes. These include master鈥檚 courses in Airline & Airport Corporate Management and Aviation Management in the Digital Age, alongside a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Airline, Airport & Aviation Management. Kenya Airlines Chief Operating Officer Captain George Kamal, himself an aviation alumnus of the University has been a key figure in the development of this initiative, working closely with Next Education Group. 

London Met鈥檚 Head of Academic Partnerships & Short Courses, Dr Wendy Bloisi, who attended the signing, commented: "London Met鈥檚 global partnerships strengthen our reputation while creating meaningful opportunities for students and professionals worldwide. By collaborating with industry leaders like Kenya Airways, the university supports skills development, career growth, and social mobility, reflecting our commitment to transforming lives through education."

A global brand 

Founded in 1977, Kenya Airways is the national carrier of Kenya. Initially state-owned, it became the first African flag carrier to be privatised in 1996. Headquartered in Nairobi, with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as its hub, the airline has expanded its network across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East in recent years. 

Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka spoke on the partnership: 鈥淭his collaboration reflects our commitment to skills development and industry excellence. By investing in education, we are strengthening our workforce and contributing to the future of aviation in Kenya and beyond.鈥� 

Supporting Workforce Development 

Kenya Airways has applied for a tertiary institution licence from the TVET Authority - Kenya鈥檚 regulatory body overseeing technical and vocational education, ensuring training institutions, programs, and trainers meet quality and accreditation standards. Until approval is granted, the specialised courses will be available exclusively to KQ employees. There are plans to expand to the wider public in the future, making aviation training more accessible across Kenya and the region. 

This partnership supports London Met鈥檚 international collaboration efforts and aligns with Kenya Airways鈥� strategy to enhance workforce skills and promote innovation in aviation.