ALT Academy and Airbus sign Memorandum of Understanding to advance aircraft maintenance training
Cooperation will explore opportunities to strengthen technical training capacity and support the development of aviation maintenance skills in Africa.
Ryan Van Wijk, CEO of Alt Academy, with Timo Eckhardt, Head of Customer Support Africa at Airbus, at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between ALT Academy and Airbus. [© Airbus and ALT Academy]
ALT Academy today announced at Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus. The MoU establishes a framework for the two organisations to explore cooperation in aircraft maintenance training.
Through the MoU, ALT Academy and Airbus intend to identify mutually agreed training initiatives and learning solutions that will strengthen technical capability and help aviation professionals develop skills relevant to modern aircraft maintenance. The specific scope, delivery model and implementation timetable will be defined by the parties through subsequent agreements.
“Modern aircraft demand a level of technical training that is difficult to build in isolation. This partnership is an important step in our commitment to building practical, high-quality maintenance training capacity in South Africa, and it gives us the opportunity to explore how current manufacturer knowledge and learning solutions can be made more accessible to learners and to industry, while holding a firm line on safety, quality and regulatory requirements, for the benefit of operators across the continent,” said Ryan van Wijk – CEO of ALT Academy.
The announcement comes as aviation organisations continue to invest in the technical expertise needed to operate and support increasingly advanced aircraft. By exploring cooperation with an aircraft manufacturer, ALT Academy aims to connect local training capability with current industry knowledge and contribute to a stronger pipeline of maintenance professionals for South Africa and the wider African market.
“This partnership underscores our long-term commitment to supporting the growth of Africa’s aviation ecosystem. By combining our industry-leading learning solutions with ALT Academy’s dedication to practical education, we are proud to support the development of a robust pipeline of highly skilled professionals ready to meet the evolving demands of modern aviation,” said Nam-Binh Hoang, Airbus Country Representative in South Africa.
The MoU is a framework for cooperation and does not, by itself, constitute the launch of a new course or certification. Details of any resulting maintenance training programmes, including course content, accreditation or regulatory status, entry requirements, delivery dates and enrolment information, will be communicated once finalised and approved by the relevant parties and authorities.
The announcement was made on 16 September 2026 at Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026, held at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Centurion, South Africa.
About ALT Academy
ALT Academy is a South African aviation training organisation based in Johannesburg. It provides structured aviation training and simulator-based learning designed to prepare professionals for the operational demands of the aviation industry. More information is available at www.eptaviation.com/alt-academy-flight-training/.
About Airbus
Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus designs and manufactures modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in space systems, defence and security. In helicopters, Airbus provides efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide. Find more at www.airbus.com/en .
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