The training programmes to be introduced include Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC), Aviation Executive EMBA and a four-year engineering degree programme aimed at upgrading EAA’s existing two-year Aircraft Maintenance training.

A statement issued in Accra by Mrs Aniley Eshetu Assistant Manager Corporate Communications, Ethiopian Airlines said the MOU was signed by Ethiopian Group CEO Mr Tewolde GebreMariam and Professor Noel E. Wilkin, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor of The University of Mississippi.

Mr GebreMariam, commenting on the signing of the MOU said: “In today’s increasingly competitive air transport business, Airlines need well trained and highly skilled management and employees to compete and succeed in the market.”

He said as part of their Vision 2025 Strategic road map, to enhance and upgrade the trainings given at their Aviation Academy, “we are very happy to sign this agreement with the University of Mississippi, which will introduce Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC), Aviation Executive EMBA and a four-year engineering degree programme.”

He said the MOU signed with the University of Mississippi would be instrumental in diversifying and upgrading their training programmes to meet both the Airlines demand and further fill the aviation skill gap in the African continent.

Professor Wilkin, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor University of Mississippi, said: “I am pleased that international businesses are recognising the quality of our faculty and the programmes that we offer and this partnership will afford us the opportunity to shape the talent and abilities of the airline industry in Africa.”

Mr Will Norton, Dean of the Meek School of Journalism (IMC), University of Mississippi said Integrated Marketing Communications was vital for economic development of a nation and for businesses wishing to have more sales and the IMC degree programme should enhance economic development in Ethiopia and increase business for Ethiopian Airlines.

With annual intake capacity of 4000 trainees, EAA is the largest and the most modern aviation academy in Africa recognised as ICAO regional Training Centre of Excellence.