Abyssinian Flight School, Ethiopia is to merge with a US company internationally recognized in the sector according to Solomon Gizaw, managing director of the Ethiopian Flight School. An initial investment capital of 10-20 million US dollars is proposed.

The venture will become operational with the construction of dormitories and the set up of high technology simulators said Solomon.

The Professional Pilot Training service provided will allow Ethiopians and nationals of other African countries to pursue training here instead of in the Middle East or elsewhere as is the current practice explained Solomon.

It is expected that the merger will be finalized within the next two years depending on appropriate authorization from relevant government bodies for the use of land to construct dormitories and facilities to house the simulators he noted.

Solomon declined to identify the US Company contemplating the merger as the two companies are in the midst of negotiations.

Government bodies, including the Ethiopian Airports Enterprise and the Ethiopian Civil Aviation authorities are considering the merger and how best to facilitate elements such as the lease of land according to an anonymous source at the EAE.

Abyssinian Flight School (sister company of Abyssinia Flight Services) is the only private pilot training school in Ethiopia. The company operates a fleet of eight small aircraft and is involved in charter services and pilot training.

Source: The Reporter