Lagos Aviation Academy has trained over 3,000 professionals in key aviation disciplines. These include cabin crew, flight dispatch, cargo handling, IATA travel and tourism, helicopter landing operations, and visa processing.
Cross River State plans to train 100 aviation professionals ahead of launching new aircraft operations. This initiative marks a critical investment in aviation development. The State is considering a strategic partnership with Lagos Aviation Academy to support this workforce training drive.
Commissioner for Aviation, Captain Imah Eno Utum, revealed this during a visit to Lagos Aviation Academy (LAA) in Lagos. The visit also coincided with the Lagos Aviation Academy anniversary, marking eight years since the institution opened its doors.
“Institutions like LAA are not just responding to the industry’s needs; they are shaping its future,” Captain Utum stated. “As we look to grow aviation across Nigeria, the importance of skilled talent and industry-aligned training like what LAA offers cannot be overstated.”
Established in 2017, Lagos Aviation Academy has trained over 3,000 professionals in key aviation disciplines. These include cabin crew, flight dispatch, cargo handling, IATA travel and tourism, helicopter landing operations, and visa processing.
The academy reports a job placement rate above 60 percent. Graduates are employed by airlines, travel companies, logistics firms, and other aviation service providers across Nigeria and West Africa.
In recognition of its excellence, LAA has received several IATA Best Performer Awards. These accolades came in 2018, 2021, 2022, and most recently in 2024. The academy remains a certified IATA Authorised Training Centre.
According to Head of School, Bolaji Durojaiye, LAA combines technical depth with practical readiness. “When we say we’re building professionals, we mean individuals equipped to meet global aviation standards,” he said. “We’ve built a system that fuses technical expertise with real-world readiness. That’s how we stay relevant.”
The academy’s Lagos facility features smart classrooms and modern simulation tools. Its curriculum is aligned with international benchmarks, supporting high-level competency in aviation disciplines.
As Nigeria’s aviation sector grows, demand for qualified personnel continues to rise. Institutions like LAA are now central to providing the human capital needed to meet both domestic and international standards.
The Lagos Aviation Academy anniversary reflects a strong track record in training and industry alignment. This makes LAA a valuable partner for states like Cross River pursuing aviation growth.
If formalised, the Cross River–LAA partnership could provide a model for state-driven aviation capacity building. It also sets the stage for sustainable aircraft operations across the region.
