AVIATION TRAINING ACADEMY SECURES GLOBAL ICAO BRONZE ACCREDITATION

The Aviation Training Academy of Zimbabwe (ATAZ) has reached a historic milestone in its mission to professionalize the nation’s skies, officially attaining status as an ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Bronze Member. This prestigious recognition, conferred by the International Civil Aviation Organization, marks a turning point for Zimbabwe’s aerospace sector, aligning local training methodologies with the most rigorous global benchmarks for safety, security, and operational efficiency.

The accreditation was formally recognized during the Global Implementation Support Symposium held in Abu Dhabi, where Zimbabwe’s commitment to excellence was highlighted on the international stage. As a Bronze Member, ATAZ is now integrated into a select global network of training organizations authorized to develop and deliver competency-based training packages that meet ICAO’s stringent Doc 9941 standards. This achievement effectively positions Zimbabwe as a regional hub for specialized aviation expertise, bridging the critical skills gap that has historically challenged the African aviation landscape.

Central to this new era of excellence is the Aviation Security (AVSEC) Basic 123 course. Conducted in strict alignment with ICAO Annex 17 standards, this foundational program is designed to equip a new generation of security professionals with the tactical and theoretical tools required to safeguard civil aviation. Under the expert guidance of Kennedy Manjengwa, a National Aviation Security Instructor and lead facilitator, the course provides a comprehensive deep dive into the modern security landscape.

Participants engage with a curriculum that balances high-stakes theory with practical application. The training covers the identification of emerging threats to civil aviation, the implementation of industry-standard countermeasures, and the mastery of reporting procedures for complex scenarios such as bomb threats. Beyond routine monitoring, the course emphasizes rapid response strategies for incidents and emergencies, ensuring that personnel are not merely observers but active defenders of the airport environment.

The transition to TRAINAIR PLUS Bronze status reflects a broader strategic vision for the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe. By localizing world-class training, ATAZ is reducing the industry’s reliance on external institutions while ensuring that the specific environmental and regulatory needs of Zimbabwe are addressed within a global framework. This development is expected to bolster investor confidence and enhance the safety profile of the country’s airspace, proving that Zimbabwe is not only ready for the future of flight but is actively shaping the professionals who will lead it.