KOTA KINABALU: AirAsia intends to collaborate with higher learning institutions in Sabah to train new generations of pilots, engineers, and flight technicians.
AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said this is part of the airline’s initiative to develop local human capital, focusing on B40 youth.
He noted that while tourism remains Sabah’s main economic contributor, AirAsia aims to enhance its contributions through local talent and skilled resource development.
“We already have many cabin crew, engineers, and pilots. We wish to help create more pilots, engineers, and technical crews from Sabah youths,” he said.
Fernandes made these remarks during a courtesy visit to Sabah Head of State Tun Musa Aman on Tuesday (June 3).
He mentioned they are ready with the syllabus and programme structures and will establish a working committee for implementation soon.
Applications will open once programme funding is sufficient, he added.
“We aim to start this programme before the end of the year, beginning with pilot training,” said Fernandes.
He said that the programme will eventually cover other areas like engineering, technical roles, and artificial intelligence (AI), in line with the company’s investment in the latest technology.
“In the flight industry, AirAsia is moving towards AI for network scheduling, fuel saving, and luggage management,” he said.
AirAsia wants Sabahans to be part of this technological advancement, Fernandes added.
