Regional Training Milestone in Nairobi
The East African School of Aviation in Nairobi recently conferred certifications on twelve South Sudanese recruits, marking the country’s biggest single cohort of new air traffic controllers to date. Graduates from seven other African nations shared the stage, underscoring cross-border cooperation.
Curriculum Aligned with ICAO Standards
Over nine months, trainees mastered Approach, Aerodrome and Area Control using a syllabus mirroring International Civil Aviation Organization guidelines. Instructors integrated Kenya’s national requirements, giving students exposure to busy regional air corridors and simulation labs that mirror real-time radar and voice communication challenges.
Gender Inclusion Gains Momentum
Four women received their epaulettes, the highest number yet for a South Sudan aviation class. Training Programs Manager Meen Chol Majur praised the outcome as “evidence that opportunity in our skies is open to everyone,” pledging scholarships to maintain momentum.
Implications for South Sudan’s Airspace
The Civil Aviation Authority says the new controllers will fill critical positions in Juba and regional airports, reducing workload on veteran staff and facilitating twenty-four-hour operations. Majur argues this will “strengthen safety culture and smooth the path to future airspace modernization.”
Acting EASA Director Dr. Oliver Sindabi emphasised that graduates trained under international norms become “ambassadors of standardisation” when they return home. Aviation analysts expect the cohort’s expertise to bolster investor confidence in South Sudan’s transport infrastructure and wider economic diversification.