The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) has committed to funding up to 90 per cent of the tuition for 33 of its aviation students.

Covering tuition and course fees, this initiative represents an annual investment of approximately US$226,000 (J$34 million) and underscores AAJ’s dedication to advancing Jamaica’s aviation industry.

The students pilot to benefit from the scholarships are ages 17 to 25 years.

The AAJ Aviation Scholarship Programme focuses on two pivotal areas: pilot training and airport management and operations. The initiative not only aims to fill the talent gap in the local aviation sector but also ensures the next generation of aviation professionals is well-prepared to contribute to Jamaica’s economic growth.

Applications for the programme opened in October 2023 via the AAJ’s official website, airportsauthorityjamaica.aero. Following a rigorous eight-month selection process, the programme awarded scholarships to cohorts from 2024 and 2025 at the inaugural AAJ Aviation Scholarship Awards ceremony held in December 2024 at the Spanish Court Hotel.

The scholarships, awarded annually, support training for both private pilot license (PPL) and commercial pilot license (CPL) at accredited institutions approved by the AAJ. Students pursuing airport management and operations training are also beneficiaries of this programme, ensuring a comprehensive approach to aviation development.

For over 20 years, AAJ has invested heavily in education, providing more than J$50 million in scholarships for employees’ children and J$38 million in professional development for its workforce. This new initiative marks another significant step in fostering educational growth within the aviation sector.

Through concession agreements with MBJ Airports Limited and PAC Kingston Airport Limited, AAJ oversees Sangster International Airport and Norman Manley International Airport while directly operating Ian Fleming International Airport and domestic aerodromes such as Tinson Pen, Negril, and Ken Jones.