Serbia's Aviation Academy marks centenary with airshow

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The Aviation Academy in Serbia marked its centenary on Sunday with an airshow at its premises at Vršac Airport in northeastern Serbia. At the event, Air Serbia performed a low pass with its Airbus A319 aircraft, while the Serbian government committed 48 million euros for the Academy’s upgrade. “We are investing some 48 million euros in the overhaul of the entire training centre. This involves the reconstruction of all facilities, which includes student accommodation, restaurant, energy block, administrative building, sports hall, an Airbus A320 full-flight simulator and runway, while a new helipad will also be built. Construction work will be completed by the end of 2025 and early 2026”, Gabrijela Grujić, the Director of the Office for Dual Education and National Qualifications Framework of the Government of Serbia, said.

Flight Academy training centre overhaul project

The Aviation Academy, which is based in Belgrade, is a complete aviation-oriented educational and training system. It is a unique state school in the region educating aviation personnel. The Academy comprises of a vocational secondary school, a college of applied studies (bachelor’s degree) and a training centre in Vršac for aviation personnel (MRO, pilot school, ground personnel).

During the centenary celebrations in Vršac, Air Serbia’s CEO, Jiri Marek, inked an agreement with the Aviation Academy to train the carrier’s pilots. Initially, ten pilots will be trained during the 2024/25 school year. "Air Serbia, as the national airline of the Republic of Serbia, is extremely pleased with the contract signed with the Aviation Academy, one of the most important educational institutions in the field of aviation in Serbia. This contract, which provides for the training of ten candidates during the 2024/25 academic year at the Aviation Academy for the needs of Air Serbia, gives us the opportunity to launch a new cadet program within our company, potentially hiring promising young pilots immediately upon graduation”, Mr Marek said. He added, “We believe this is the best possible approach to ensure our company continues to strengthen its capacities on solid foundations, securing a highly qualified and skilled pilot workforce for the future. On the other hand, it will be a unique opportunity for young pilots to secure employment with the national airline of their country upon completing the Academy, where they will receive the highest quality advanced training, through the latest simulators and continuous mentorship from senior, experienced colleagues. Together with the Aviation Academy, we are committed to creating better conditions for young professionals and contributing to the development of Serbian aviation. We are confident that our collaboration will continue to be mutually beneficial”.