Embraer’s latest generation airliner, the E190-E2
Photo by: Embraer
Brazilian aerospace group Embraer and Morocco’s Mohammed VI International Academy of Civil Aviation (AIAC is its abbreviation in French) on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Casablanca. The aim of the MoU is to develop aviation-related engineering in the North African country.
Embraer will train Moroccan engineers in Brazil and will work with the AIAC to identify and establish programmes to produce world-class aeronautical and related engineering training programmes in north-west Africa. “[T]his MoU with Embraer represents an important step in our strategy of working with globally renowned organisations, such as Embraer, willing to collaborate and to support us in our goal of preparing aeronautical engineers in Morocco, with world-class standards,” said AIAC MD Abdellah Menou.
“We are pleased with the opportunity to share with AIAC our expertise in the preparation of highly skilled engineers to address the challenges of such a demanding industry like aerospace,” affirmed Embraer VP: engineering and technology Humberto Pereira. “As a leader in commercial aviation, and with 46 years of experience in designing and manufacturing aircraft that operate in more than sixty countries, we are always honoured to share our knowledge with organisations that aim to play an important role in such a competitive industry.”
The AIAC was set up in 2000 by King Mohammed VI and trains engineers, safety personnel, air traffic controllers and pilots. It also has courses in manufacturing and computer engineering. It is administered by the National Airport Authority and falls under the aegis of the Ministry of Equipment and Transport.
Its teaching adheres to the practises and standards advocated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The AIAC has a six hectare campus in the heart of the Casablanca Aeropole, neighbouring a number of the country’s other high-technology industrial facilities and close to its most important airport.
Embraer was founded in 1969 and is now the world’s number one manufacturer of commercial jet airliners with up to 130 seats. It has so far delivered more than 8 000 aircraft and Embraer machines transport more than 145-million passengers a year. It is also very active in the defence and security sectors. It has industrial units, parts distribution centres, service centres and offices in Africa, Asia, Europe and across the Americas.