Airports Authority’s Aviation Fair Draws Young People from Diverse Communities
On Saturday April 13th 2019, Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (“the Authority”) hosted an Aviation Fair themed Aviation Building Communities (ABC) at the Piarco International Airport, to sensitise youths from several communities across the nation about the aviation industry; spark career interests and inspire community and national pride.
The aviation industry is evolving as a formidable sector with significant projected growth worldwide. Investments in local aviation help to stimulate economic activity; create employment; encourage foreign and private sector investment and the expansion of trade and commerce. There exists an expanse of opportunities in aviation and potential for absorption of professionals graduating from a variety of locally offered academic programmes.
At the ABC Aviation Fair, many aviation stakeholder entities participated and presented engaging displays to the delight of the young people. Presentations spanned a wide spectrum, and included discussions on Airport Operations; Aerodynamics; Airport Emergency Response; Careers in Aviation; Flight Instruments and Drones. There were helicopter and small fixed wing aircraft tours and a spectacular demonstration of an aircraft fire rescue. “Fantastic!” “Great!” “Insightful!” were some of the responses and chimes of the young people when asked about their experience at the ABC Aviation Fair.
One of the Leader of the Valencia New Beginnings Youth Group, Mrs. Jenny Alvarez, expressed her gratitude to the Authority. “Thank you for allowing these young persons to have been a part of this truly inspiring, informative and involving event. I can assure you that it has left an indelible impression on them that I believe will be resourceful in their career choices and their all-round development.”
Camille Hall-Graham, Communications Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service believed that it was a “good event and opportunity for students to be in the know about the various aspects of aviation. Good opportunity to enlighten persons who are not familiar with the Met Office and the ways that it supports aviation”.
Caribbean Airlines’ head of Corporate Communications, Dionne Ligoure stated that “as the region’s leading airline, Caribbean Airlines takes our role as a responsible Corporate Citizen seriously, and we have actively expanded our impact through our Education Outreach initiatives by partnering with organizations like the AATT, to bring the dynamic world of aviation to students in our primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.”
Dr Narcrisha Norman, Aerospace Engineer and Assistant Professor at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, currently attached to the Faculty at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, asserted that “aviation is important no matter where you are in the world. It bridges families, industries and international communities. Recognizing that some of the basic concepts used in the Aviation industry are similar to the basic concepts we use in our everyday lives and in our local communities is important to communicate. In an effort to communicate these similarities, the ABC event brought local youth, the future of Aviation, together with indispensable members of the Aviation industry including police, airport fire fighters, staff from Caribbean Airlines, university faculty and many others. The event was exciting, educational and a precursor for future opportunities to promote the importance of Aviation to local and international communities!”
Mr Hayden Newton, General Manager of the Authority stated that “as part of the Authority’s corporate social responsibility, we have taken interest in making positive impacts on youth development, and have created this forum to present career options and expose our young leaders to the world of aviation and the opportunities within this industry. The success of the aviation sector is tied with the success of our social and economic sectors. It is important therefore to strengthen partnerships, and make positive gestures that would redound to the benefit of our society”.
The Authority wishes to thank all participating agencies that contributed to the success of the ABC Aviation Fair. They include the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (Air Support Unit), the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, The Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard, the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service, Petroleum Helicopters International, Signature Flight Support, the University of Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean Airlines Ltd. and the Operations and Security Departments of the Authority.
