International Aviation Academy setup

TRAINING: The International Aviation Academy (IAA), Sri Lanka's first ever professional industry skills training facility has been set up in Sri Lanka by SriLankan Airlines with accreditation from leading international bodies including the International Air Transport Association (IATA),City and Guilds and Edexcel International.

A brainchild of the SriLankan Airlines' Human Resources Division, the IAA will cater to the increasing demand for airline industry specific training and mid-career training by local and international airlines.

SriLankan Airline Chief Executive Peter Hill said that the IAA will fill a long standing void for an internationally acceptable training facility," The IAA is also in discussions with Sri Lankan Universities to obtain accreditation for its programmes at the Post-graduate Diploma level.

"It will supplement Sri Lanka's technical and vocational education system, opening up new opportunities to the youngsters and give them a grounding in international service standards" said Head of Human Resources Sunil Dissanayake.

The IAA has also won recognition from other industry apex bodies, with the Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka (TAASL) and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) appointing the Academy as a training partner.

Over 100 SLAITO and TAASL representatives have undergone training with the IAA already.

SriLankan Airlines' trained personnel have been much sought after by leading international airlines, with a number of Sri Lankans now manning top posts in the airline and hospitality industry.

"A number of international organisations are already talking to us to send their staff for training and to recruit candidates who obtain IAA qualifications. This is a major boost for the industry and for the country," Dissanayake said.

Based at the Company's Administration Complex at Katunayake, the IAA will train students in a range of airline specific programs including Airline Ticketing and Sales, Cabin Crew Training, Air Cargo Skills and Procedures, Flight Dispatch Programs and Airline management among others. (IR)