IIT Guwahati Teams with Airbus to Revolutionise Assam’s Aviation Education

The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) has unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration with Airbus India Private Limited, a partnership that has been forged after fruitful deliberations with officials from the Assam Government's Transport, Skill, and Industries Departments. This alliance represents a major leap forward in Aviation and Logistics Education in Assam, with the potential to significantly enhance the socio-economic landscape of the northeastern region.

Professor Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, and Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director of Airbus India Private Limited, have executed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Furthermore, an agreement has been formalised to implement this major initiative. In his address, Professor Devendra Jalihal expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Airbus, stating, "We are delighted to commence this transformative collaboration with Airbus, which aligns with our vision for advanced education in aviation and logistics and addresses the urgent need for skilled professionals in these vital sectors.

The official signing ceremony occurred on 6th September 2024, at IIT Guwahati, in the distinguished presence of Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam. Other notable attendees included Dr S. Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary, Government of Assam; Mr Ashutosh Agrawal, Head of Aftermarket Strategy & Business Development; Mr Sumeet Singh Manglotra, Regional Business Leader - Airbus Beyond, Airbus India & South Asia; and Professor Parameswar K. Iyer, Dean of PRBR, IIT Guwahati, among others.

The Chief Minister noted, "Assam has witnessed remarkable progress in education and industry in recent years, exemplified by Tata Technologies' introduction of the semiconductor industry. This collaboration with Airbus is poised to explore further opportunities for regional growth. I am confident that this partnership between IIT Guwahati and the Government of Assam will continue to thrive, delivering impactful academic initiatives for the people of Assam and India."

As part of this transformative initiative, IIT Guwahati will be establishing a Global Skilling Centre in Aviation and Logistics. This centre is designed to address the critical shortage of skilled professionals in the logistics sector, a shortage that is crucial for the growth of global trade and commerce. The centre will offer comprehensive training programs that are specifically tailored to equip individuals with the skills required to meet the demands of the industry.

Mr Suraj Chettri, VP and Head of HR at Airbus India & South Asia and Head of Site at Airbus India Private Limited, Bangalore, underscored the company's commitment to supporting the rapid growth of the aviation industry. He stated, "Both India and the global market are in need of a substantial, skilled workforce to fuel the growth of the aviation industry. This collaboration is a testament to our dedication to forming robust partnerships with academia. We are committed to investing in workforce development in India and working closely with various stakeholders to unlock the full potential of the Indian aviation sector. Together, we aim to lay the groundwork for sustainable growth and global leadership in aviation."

The partnership between IIT Guwahati and Airbus aims to leverage their combined expertise and resources to develop and advance aviation education and training programs in the northeastern region.