Amber Group has taken the historic step to launch its aviation arm in Jamaica as part of the group of technology companies under the flagship Amber brand.

Dushyant Savadia, CEO of the Amber Group, has announced that the Amber Group has acquired five aircrafts to be deployed as part of the operations in Jamaica.

Four Jamaicans have been selected for training in South Africa who will be part of the team of pilots to operate the Amber fleet.

“Amber Aviation is committed to investing in the people of Jamaica and in the Jamaican tourism sector. Ultralight recreational flying is an amazing experience, practised in many countries across the globe and will be a fantastic addition to Jamaica. Realising the potential for the addition of ultralight aircraft attractions to the Jamaican tourism product, the Amber Group through its subsidiary Amber Aviation will introduce the leisure activity to Jamaica by December 2022,” said Savadia.

Already, Amber has made strategic moves by covering all expenses associated with the training of the first cohort of four Jamaicans now undergoing intense training as ultralight pilots in South Africa.

Savadia said he decided to take the bold step of sponsoring young aspiring Jamaican students to become pilots, investing in human capital and building Jamaica.

“Our company’s focus is and always will be doing good.”

The visionary aviation programme has been under way in South Africa since June 1, 2022, with four Jamaican trainees learning the theoretical basics, practical skills and experience to take to the skies in ultralight aircraft. They are being tutored by pilot and international aviation instructor David Daniel.

Ultralight aircraft or microlight aircraft are small, lightweight fixed-winged, open cockpit aircraft capable of seating one or two persons. Unlike their larger, well-known counterparts, ultralight crafts are capable of low altitude, open flight through which people can experience the natural beauty of the environment from the air.

The aircraft is designed for adventure and close interaction with an area’s flora and fauna and can be used for sporting events as well as recreational activities. The vehicles chosen by Amber and in use in multiple countries across the World have also proven to be safe.

“The demand for air tourism has risen globally and with this attraction here, Jamaica will be in a class of its own compared to her regional rivals. Amber Aviation is seeking to meet that demand and strengthen the local aeronautical industry with this addition while also providing employment and creating new opportunities for Jamaicans.”

Savadia was drawn to aviation from an early age as a boy in India.

Despite his stutter, he never gave up on his dream. He is now a licensed pilot seeking to build flying hours to also do international commercial flights.

Like Savadia, Orlando Stephenson, the youngest of the four Jamaicans whose interest in flying was sparked at the early age of 13 when he first saw the cockpit of an aeroplane. He was very pleased to be selected to undergo the intensive course.

Stephenson, who hails from Manchester, said about the programme: “I have been impressed by how far we have come. We came here with no flying experience and very soon we will be flying solo.”

His sentiments were echoed by the other three trainees.

Arnold Davis expressed gratitude to the Amber Group for the opportunity to not only fulfil his dream of becoming a pilot but also to be among the first ultralight aircraft pilots in Jamaica.

Nathaniel McCleary and his classmate Alando Perry are enthusiastic to be a part of the programme and are both looking forward to pursuing further studies in aviation.

A micro-light pilot licence is the precursor to more advanced aviation programmes.

Davis called himself and his classmates industry forerunners as in short order Amber Aviation will be executing a similar training programme in Jamaica.

The fantastic four have given earlier signals that they are willing to be the instructors and mentors of the next generation of ultralight pilots. They hope to inspire others to follow their dreams and take to the skies as they have.

“Their experiences in South Africa are not only limited to the ultra-light training programme but the participants are routinely exposed to the South African culture,” said Savadia.

Stephenson recounted seeing the elephants and birds at the nature reserve with elation. Morning flights are Nathaniel’s favourite because of the calm air currents and the early light that enriches the beauty of South Africa’s landscape.

All four students have racked up over a dozen flight hours already under the tutelage of Daniels, the programme instructor.

The South African has accumulated over 8,000 hours of flights over decades and is very pleased that he has the chance of contributing to the introduction of micro-light flying to Jamaica.

The Amber CEO said planning for the next steps of the Aviation programme, including the launch of some exciting offers and products to the Jamaican marketplace, is already under way.

Jamaica is poised to become the land of sun, sand, sea, technology and adventure.