Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Airbus India Private Limited to enhance aviation and logistics education in Assam. This collaboration aims to drive socio-economic growth in the northeastern region by equipping students with the skills needed to excel in the fast-evolving aviation and logistics industries.
The partnership was formalised by signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) between IIT Guwahati Director Prof. Devendra Jalihal and Airbus India Private Limited President and Managing Director Rémi Maillard. The signing ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who highlighted the significance of this collaboration.
Expanding Aviation Education in Assam
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasised the potential of this partnership to transform aviation and logistics education in the region. “This collaboration will not only promote knowledge sharing but also shape the future of the aviation industry,” Sarma said. The Chief Minister further added that key areas such as transportation, hospitality, skilling, and logistics will be integral to this initiative, creating new growth opportunities for students in Assam and beyond.
Prof. Devendra Jalihal echoed these sentiments, noting that the partnership aligns with IIT Guwahati’s mission to deliver cutting-edge education in aviation and logistics. “This initiative will empower the youth of Assam, fostering innovation and driving economic growth,” Jalihal stated.
Global Skilling Centre for Aviation and Logistics at IIT Guwahati
A major highlight of the partnership is the establishment of a Global Skilling Centre for Aviation and Logistics at IIT Guwahati. This centre will focus on addressing the skills gap in the logistics sector, a key component for supporting global trade and commerce. Airbus India will provide trainers, materials, and tools, while IIT Guwahati will offer infrastructure, student onboarding, and course organisation.
Suraj Chettri, VP and Head of HR at Airbus India and South Asia underlined the importance of creating a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of the aviation industry. “India and the global aviation sector require large-scale skilled human resources to fuel growth. We aim to work closely with the Indian government and state governments to unlock the full potential of this industry,” he explained.
Key Features of the Partnership
- Comprehensive Aviation and Logistics Programs: Airbus India and IIT Guwahati will develop courses that advance aviation education in Assam, focusing on both short-term and long-term training.
- Global Skilling Centre: IIT Guwahati will establish the centre to address the shortage of skilled logistics professionals, which is vital for global trade growth.
- Airbus-Facilitated Training: Airbus India will offer trainers, materials, and tools for specialised courses and conduct ‘Train the Trainer’ programs to enable IIT faculty to deliver Airbus-certified courses independently.
- Job Creation and Career Advancement: The partnership is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, enhancing service quality in the aviation and logistics sectors.
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The collaboration aligns with the Government of India’s Udaan scheme, which seeks to foster socio-economic development across the country. With a focus on transportation, hospitality, logistics, and skilling, the initiative promises to unlock new career opportunities for students in Assam and the northeastern region.
This partnership is a major step towards positioning India as a leader in aviation and logistics education while also contributing to the country’s overall economic and industrial growth.
By integrating innovative training programs and establishing key infrastructure, IIT Guwahati and Airbus India aim to create a sustainable ecosystem for the aviation and logistics sectors in Assam and beyond.
