IIT Guwahati and Airbus join forces to advance aviation and logistics education in Assam

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 6, 2024

IIT Guwahati has signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Airbus India to establish a global training centre focused on aerospace technology, skilling, and logistics in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at a programme held at Dr Bhupen Hazarika Mini Auditorium, IIT Guwahati on Friday.

This collaboration represents a significant step towards advancing aviation and logistics education in Assam, aimed at enhancing the socio-economic landscape of the northeastern region.

The MoA was signed between Prof Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, and Suraj Chettri, vice-president, Airbus India Private Limited.

Key areas of this collaboration include sectors such as transportation, industries, hospitality, skilling, agriculture, and logistics with a thrust on a larger scope of expansion. Moreover, the agreement envisages a mutual commitment to fostering talent and nurturing the next generation of aerospace professionals.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma said the MoA besides addressing the current skills gap will ignite sustained growth and elevate the global competitiveness of the aviation and logistics sectors in the Northeast.

Sarma termed the collaboration as a significant step forward in creating a robust and dynamic workforce as well as boosting the aviation and logistics sector.

Sarma said that the agreement embodies the spirit of technological excellence and global leadership which will give a big push towards sustaining Assam’s ascent in technological development.

Stating that in recent years, Assam has seen major growth in multiple sectors of the semiconductor industry, petroleum refining, polymers, agriculture sector, tourism, aviation, hospitality, healthcare, etc, the Chief Minister viewed that the MoA will give further push to this growth trajectory.

“This agreement is not just a journey that will enhance the overall capabilities of IIT Guwahati and support Airbus India Private Limited, but in our quest for industrialization and technological advancement”, he said.

The Chief Minister said that the Act East Policy has opened up new doors of opportunities in communication, transportation, trade and business, tourism, cultural exchange, sports, information technology, agriculture and many other sectors to link Northeast with ASEAN and BBN countries.

He observed that over the past 10 years, India’s engagement with the ASEAN countries has grown exponentially. The growing demands of economic push and development of the region could be met only with support of the rapid aviation growth, he stated.

Highlighting the aviation history of the region which is several decades old, he said that it was only under Prime Minister Narendra Modi that tangible progress in air connectivity has been witnessed in the region.

“Under the UDAN scheme, the Prime Minister took the historic initiative to boost regional connectivity in the Northeast. The historic steps initiated to bring important cities of the Northeast under the regional connectivity scheme UDAN-2 significantly facilitated regional air connectivity by making air travel affordable for the masses. Ensuring balanced regional development by facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services, this scheme in turn will also promote tourism, job creation, and economic development” the Chief Minister said.

He also spoke about the new infrastructure and facilities being developed in the aviation sector in the state in recent years.

Stating that the Global Skilling Centre in Aviation and Logistics Business proposed under this MoA, apart from delivering comprehensive training to meet industry demands will also support the Udan Yojana initiative in the Northeast.

“This initiative will significantly improve employment and career advancement opportunities for individuals in our region and elevate service quality in both the logistics and aviation sectors, expanding trading opportunities within the country and beyond”. He expressed hope that the dynamic range of courses to be launched at the Centre to train 2,000 students annually from the Northeast and BBNI states, will set a new standard for aviation education in the region”.

Sarma also assured all support from the Assam government to IIT Guwahati and Airbus India Private Limited to develop Guwahati as one of the best aviation and logistics hubs in the country.

He also said that after the semiconductor assembly and test facility in Jagiroad, the state government will go forward in setting up a manufacturing unit of semiconductors in the state.

Commenting on the MoA, IITG Director Prof Devendra Jalihal said, “We are thrilled to embark on this transformative partnership with Airbus, which aligns with our vision for advanced education in aviation and logistics and addresses the pressing need for skilled professionals in these critical sectors. This initiative will empower the youth of Assam and the northeastern region, fostering innovation, economic growth, and a brighter future for all. Together, we aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that will enhance the region’s contribution to global trade and aviation.”

Airbus India vice president Suraj Chettri said, “To drive the exponential growth of the aviation industry, both India and the world need large-scale, skilled human resources. This is why we are committed to building strong partnerships with academia, and this collaboration is a prime example of that commitment.”

“We will continue to invest in developing a skilled workforce in India, working closely with the Government of India and various state governments to unlock the full potential of the Indian aviation sector. Together, we aim to lay the foundation for sustainable growth and global leadership in aviation,” he added.

The agreement signing ceremony was attended by Head of Aftermarket Strategy & Business Development, Airbus India & South Asia Ashutosh Agarwal, Dean, IIT Guwahati Prof Parameswar K. Iyer, faculty and staff members of the institute, students and other representatives from Airbus India Private Limited and other dignitaries.