Thirty-three young Jamaicans have been awarded scholarships from Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) to train at accredited aviation institutions.

The youngsters, between the ages of 17 and 25, were presented with the awards on December 6 at the Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston.

According to the AAJ, the initiative aims to support students pursuing training in two key areas of aviation: pilot training, and airport management and operations. The goal is to help fill the critical gap in the local aviation industry and foster the growth of Jamaica’s aviation sector by providing education and training for the next generation of aviation professionals, the organisation said.

Audley Deidrick, president of the AAJ, said the scholarship programme also forms a key part of the organisation’s 50th Anniversary celebrations under the theme “Modernizing and Growing Jamaica’s Airports – Since 1974”, noting that over the past five decades, the AAJ has demonstrated unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, expanding Jamaica’s aviation infrastructure, and supporting the nation’s economic and tourism sectors.

AAJ Aviation Scholarship Programme awardees display their certificates.

“From our beginnings managing Norman Manley International Airport and Sangster International Airport in 1974, to the transformation of Boscobel Aerodrome into the Ian Fleming International Airport in 2011, the AAJ has remained steadfast in its mission to modernize and elevate Jamaica’s aviation landscape,” Deidrick said.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we are also sowing the seeds for a brighter future in pilot training and airport management and operations. This initiative is more than just financial assistance—it is an investment in empowerment, a bold testament to the AAJ’s commitment to nation-building.”

AAJ said the scholarships will be available for training at accredited aviation institutions approved by the AAJ and will be awarded annually.

For over 20 years, the Airports Authority of Jamaica has been at the forefront of educational development, making significant contributions to the growth of Jamaica’s economy. The AAJ has invested over J$50 million in scholarships for employees’ children and J$38 million in the professional development of its employees.

AAJ aviation scholarship awardee Brandon Bromfield and mother Sheryl Bromfield.

AAJ aviation scholarship recipient Neo Gayle with Marcia Blake (left) and Davia Blake.

“With this new Aviation Scholarship Programme, the AAJ seeks to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the aviation sector. The AAJ is committed to fostering a sustainable aviation industry by investing in the future of young Jamaicans who aspire to become pilots, aircraft mechanics, and airport operations professionals,” the organisation said in a release.

“The scholarship programme aims to support careers in Private/General Aviation, which is the largest segment of the international aviation market,” the release continued. “This includes flight training, aircraft maintenance, and various essential services such as medical transport, law enforcement, and emergency services. The global shortage of pilots and aviation professionals, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made this initiative even more crucial to the growth of Jamaica’s aviation sector.”

AAJ’s Aviation Scholarship Programme will support:
• Pilot Training: Private Pilot License (PPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training at certified flight schools.
• Airport Operations: Professional training in airport management and operations.

(From left) AAJ President Audley Deidrick, AAJ Chairman Mark Hart and Captain Edward Miller.

Each student will receive funding up to 90 per cent of the cost of their training, including tuition and course fees, with an estimated annual budget of US$226,000 (approximately J$34 million).

The Airports Authority of Jamaica is the government agency responsible for the management, development and operations of airport facilities across Jamaica.