LUNDU: The Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) Aerospace Programme aims to support AirBorneo by equipping students with essential aerospace skills through five certification courses covering areas from technical machining to aircraft maintenance.

Sarawak Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the academy's special programme will strengthen the availability of highly skilled technicians and engineers in line with the needs of the local airline.

"These graduates play a vital role in aircraft maintenance and repair, ensuring the safety and reliability of the fleet used by AirBorneo.

"The practical training provided at CENTEXS ensures that students are prepared to work on specific aircraft used by Sarawak-based airlines.

"This enhances their employability and provides immediate value to the industry," he said in a press conference after his official visit to the Aerospace Academy at CENTEXS Lundu on Tuesday.

He proposed further collaboration between CENTEXS and the aviation industry, including the Sarawak-owned AirBorneo and other industry players.

Commenting on the training conducted at CENTEXS, Dato Sri Lee stated that most of the courses offered in the aerospace programme are different.

He explained that for the certificate in Aerospace Machining Operations which produces parts for Airbus aircraft, specifically the Airbus 320 and 321, students will undergo six months of training here before being sent to Subang for seven months for actual practical training.

"After that, they will proceed to a higher level, namely the Computerised Numerical Control (CNC) machining operator training which takes another 24 months.

"Upon completing this training, they will obtain a license as a machining operator and also as a CNC operator.

"Meanwhile, for the certificate in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, basic maintenance training will be conducted before specialising in the type of aircraft.

"After five years and passing all the required examinations, only then will they be qualified to become aircraft maintenance engineers," he added.

He further revealed that 95 students are currently enrolled in the Aerospace Programme, which has been growing in popularity, with over 200 applicants still on the waiting list.

Also present were Chief Executive Officer of CENTEXS, Dato Syeed Mohd Hussien Wan Abdul Rahman, Campus Head of CENTEXS Lundu, Dr. Nor Ashikin Abdul Rahman, and Chief Academic Officer of the Digital Aerospace and Green Energy Academy, Dr. Dayang Hanani Abang Ibrahim. -UKASnews