Decommissioned Jet Donation Boosts Aviation Training for South African Learners

The aviation sector in Southern Africa is taking a bold step towards nurturing the next generation of engineering talent. Airlink, a leading regional airline, has contributed a decommissioned Embraer 135 jet to the Gauteng Department of Basic Education (GDE), specifically for use at Rhodesfield Engineering School of Specialisation (SOS) in Kempton Park. This remarkable gesture promises to enhance practical learning and open new doors for young Africans eager to embark on careers in the aviation industry.

This initiative is not just about a static display; it delivers hands-on, real-world experience to students. Airlink is also investing in human capital by funding the placement of two newly-qualified aircraft maintenance technicians at the school for two years, ensuring ongoing practical instruction on the donated aircraft. Both technicians are young black women who completed their apprenticeships with Airlink and now work at the airline’s maintenance centre at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport. Their involvement aligns with broader efforts to diversify the aviation workforce and inspire greater representation within technical roles.

Rhodesfield Engineering SOS, operating under the GDE’s Engineering Schools of Specialisation initiative, is tackling the pressing skills shortage in engineering across Gauteng. As part of the province’s economic development agenda, the school’s aviation skills courses are preparing Grade 11 and 12 learners for high-demand sectors. Currently, 45 students—13 girls and 32 boys, mostly from Tembisa—are enrolled, reflecting a growing interest in aviation among young people.

Caroline Ngxanga, Acting Principal of Rhodesfield Engineering SOS, emphasized the significance of this development: "The aircraft will serve as an invaluable teaching aid for our students taking aviation as their eighth matric subject. It will enable them to gain practical exposure that complements their theoretical knowledge." For many learners, such access is a rare opportunity, and the direct interaction with a real aircraft will help bridge the gap between classroom concepts and industry practice.

Hon. Matome Chiloane, Gauteng’s MEC for Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, highlighted the broader impact: "Beyond Rhodesfield SOS, the donated aircraft will be accessible to students from other schools in the province, offering experiential learning opportunities that are critical for nurturing a pipeline of skilled professionals." The Embraer 135 will be integrated into specialised programmes, such as Search and Rescue and multi-certification courses, preparing students for a variety of roles that are urgently needed within the aviation industry.

De Villiers Engelbrecht, Airlink’s CEO, reinforced the value of practical training: "By placing a real aircraft in learners’ hands and providing qualified engineers as trainers, we can help bridge the gap between theory and practical experience. Students will now get their hands on authentic aircraft systems, components, and structures and see how they are integrated and used – an experience that is typically inaccessible to many youngsters who aspire to have aviation careers."

The aircraft itself has a distinguished service record. Delivered new to Airlink in 2013, it accumulated 32,080 flight hours over more than 30,100 flights before its retirement. Airlink has also pledged to continue supporting the school by donating additional aircraft parts as needed, ensuring the learning environment remains robust and up-to-date even as some parts are repurposed for ongoing fleet operations.

This donation is more than a symbolic gesture; it is an investment in the future of the African aviation industry. By providing access to advanced technology and real equipment, the initiative is designed to stimulate curiosity, develop technical competence, and foster a culture of innovation. For stakeholders across the continent, it signals both the necessity and potential of public-private partnerships in transforming skills development and responding to the rapidly evolving demands of the sector.

The presence of female technicians as mentors also signals a progressive shift in the traditional gender dynamics of aviation engineering. Their participation demonstrates that the industry is not only seeking to address skills gaps but is also committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. This is particularly relevant as African economies seek to harness the full potential of their youthful populations and create sustainable employment pathways.';echo '

The broader implications for Africa’s travel and aviation ecosystem are profound. As more schools and training institutions gain access to practical resources, the region can anticipate a stronger pipeline of qualified professionals ready to support growing airline networks, airport infrastructure projects, and allied services. Initiatives such as these reinforce the importance of aligning educational priorities with market needs and highlight how innovative partnerships can accelerate progress for both students and industry stakeholders.

For the continent’s airlines, hotels, airports, and service providers, the message is clear: strategic investments in education and hands-on training are essential to remain competitive and resilient. As the global aviation landscape evolves—driven by new technology, sustainability imperatives, and shifting passenger expectations—Africa’s ability to cultivate homegrown expertise will be a decisive factor in shaping its economic and social future.

Looking ahead, the momentum generated by Airlink’s donation could inspire similar initiatives elsewhere in Africa. As more airlines retire older aircraft and seek ways to give back to their communities, opportunities abound to transform decommissioned assets into powerful educational tools. For the African travel sector, such collaborations will be vital in preparing for the next wave of industry transformation, ensuring that local talent is equipped with the practical experience and technical acumen needed to thrive.

By championing innovation in skills development, Africa’s aviation industry is not only addressing immediate workforce needs but is also laying the foundation for long-term growth and prosperity. The journey from classroom to cockpit, or from workshop to hangar, is being reimagined—one aircraft, and one inspired learner, at a time.';