Ethiopian Airlines and The University of Mississippi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to introduce different aviation-related training programs into the existing courses of Ethiopian Aviation Academy (EAA).  

The training programs to be introduced include Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC), Aviation Executive EMBA and a four-year engineering degree program aimed at upgrading EAA’s existing two-year Aircraft Maintenance training. 

The MOU was signed in April 2018 by Ethiopian Group CEO, Mr Tewolde GebreMariam and Professor Noel E.Wilkin, Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor of The University of Mississippi, at the premises of the University in the presence of dignitaries from the University’s academic community as well as Managing Director of EAA.  

Commenting on the signing of the MOU, Mr Tewolde GebreMariam said: “In today’s increasingly competitive air transport business, Airlines need well trained and highly skilled management and employees to compete and succeed in the market."

"As part of our Vision 2025 Strategic roadmap, to enhance and upgrade the training given at our Aviation Academy, we are very happy to sign this agreement with the University of Mississippi which will introduce Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC), Aviation Executive EMBA and a four-year engineering degree program.

"The MOU we signed with The University of Mississippi will be instrumental in diversifying and upgrading our training programs to meet both the Airlines demand and further fill the aviation skill gap in the African continent. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the management and community of The University of Mississippi and look forward to a successful collaboration ahead,” he added.    

With annual intake capacity of 4000 trainees, EAA is the largest and the most modern aviation academy in Africa recognized as ICAO regional Training Center of Excellence.  

Professor Noel E.Wilkin, Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor University of Mississippi, the largest public research university in Mississippi on his part said: “I am pleased that international businesses are recognizing the quality of our faculty and the programs that we offer. This partnership will afford us the opportunity to shape the talent and abilities of the airline industry in Africa.”
 
“Integrated Marketing Communications is vital for economic development of a nation and for businesses wishing to have more sales. The IMC degree program at Ole Miss should enhance economic development in Ethiopia and increase business for Ethiopian Airlines”, added Will Norton, Dean of the Meek School of Journalism and New Media.

Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi is Mississippi's flagship university with a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business.