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Serbia to train Somali pilots in new aviation partnership
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    Wednesday September 4, 2024


    A Linx Aviation training aircraft prepares for flight at one of the school's airports in Serbia, offering practical pilot training for future aviators.

    BELGRADE, Serbia (HOL) — Somali Ambassador to Serbia, Mohamed Abdullahi Ahmed, visited the Linx Aviation Pilot School in Belgrade today to discuss opportunities for Somali youth to receive pilot training. 

    In his meeting with Captain Mladen Petković, the owner and head of Linx Aviation School ATO, Ambassador Ahmed secured an agreement to provide Somali students with theoretical and practical pilot training. The theoretical lessons will be conducted at the school's headquarters in New Belgrade. The practical training will take place at Lisičji Jarak and Nikola Tesla airports, using the school's fleet of 10 aircraft. All programs are fully aligned with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Flight Crew Licensing (FCL) standards, ensuring that students receive internationally recognized qualifications.

    In addition to pilot training, Linx Aviation also offers programs for flight instructor certification, further expanding opportunities for Somali youth in the aviation sector. Captain Petković emphasized the high standards of the training, adding that classes for the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) can be completed within six months under normal conditions.

    "Serbia will be providing a unique opportunity for the young people in Somalia," Ambassador Ahmed said. "This cooperation will secure a bright future for many youths and contribute immensely to the development of Somalia's aviation sector."

    The partnership is designed to address a critical skills gap in Somalia's aviation industry, which has struggled to secure a steady stream of trained professionals since the collapse of the central government over 30 years ago.

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    Ambassador Mohamed Abdullahi Ahmed (left) meets with Captain Mladen Petković (right), owner and head of Linx Aviation Pilot School, during a visit to the school’s headquarters in Belgrade.
    Ambassador Mohamed Abdullahi Ahmed (left) meets with Captain Mladen Petković (right), owner and head of Linx Aviation Pilot School, during a visit to the school’s headquarters in Belgrade.

     





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