Operator Finavia to train Estonian air traffic controllers

Finnish airport operator Finavia signs contract with Estonian air navigation service provider Lennuliiklusteeninduse AS (EANS) in order to train student air traffic controllers.

With an ever increasing demand for air traffic controllers in Estonia, air navigation service provider EANS launched an international bidding process to urgently fill its increasing service needs with skilled professionals. EANS acquired an air control course from Finavia-based Avia College where seven Estonian air control students will be trained within an 18 month period.

Matts-Anders Nyberg, Head of Avia College at Finavia, said: “Finavia has been engaged in long-term operational and technical cooperation with EANS in the field of air navigation. We have also provided them with other air navigation training. Through this type of training cooperation, we can root identical operating methods as the shared European air space is developing. We need to be able to offer air control services more effectively in the future.”

“Through this type of training cooperation, we can root identical operating methods as the shared European air space is developing”

“For Finavia, this is also an excellent opportunity to generate additional revenues for the air navigation business which has produced losses due to low traffic volumes. As international competition is becoming fiercer, we need to actively look for ways to increase our revenues. Since we train air traffic controllers for our needs here in Finland, we would be offering similar training in any case. This agreement allows others to use our training expertise. We are hoping that this becomes a profitable export product.”

NS personnel specialist, Ere Keerig-Kont added: “We are very pleased with this cooperation as, in our belief, it is the base for success, especially when it is done in various areas. In this case our aim is to quickly bring new air traffic controllers to our ranks, which is possible with the flexible training model offered to us and as a bonus to acquire more international experience through the knowhow of Finnish training instructors. The same important role belongs to the fact that this training will be held in common aviation language – English. This will guarantee good English language skills of those newly trained air traffic controllers and help us to provide even better service to our customers.”

Training, carried out in English, will begin in September 2015 and will follow the same European curriculum undergone by Finnish students.