A NEW flight training school in Durban is expected to soar to great heights, with the transformation of the aviation sector at its heart. Speaking at the launch of the Focus Air Flight School at the Virginia Airport on 12 July, Acting eThekwini Mayor Fawzia Peer said the school’s ethos was part of the transformation agenda. “I would like to congratulate Focus Air on being part of the transformation agenda.

It is a training institution that the City of Durban can be proud of. For a young learner, choosing a career path is one of the most difficult choices but we now have a place making a concerted effort to offer training in the aviation sector to previously disadvantaged communities,” she said. Acting Mayor Peer said South Africa needed transformation that opened career paths in different sectors. “I am excited to learn of a transformative plan that intends to make aviation training accessible to all, especially as aviation is one of the pillars for growth and sustainability in the economy. EThekwini Municipality is opening up the skies. Today’s launch is of great importance in educating young people and ensuring they are part of the bigger plan,” she said.

Focus Air, run by Fathima Khan a trained pilot, will offer lessons to students, especially those from previously disadvantaged communities. Dozens of pupils are expected to get exposure to the aviation sector through Focus Air’s intervention. “I believe that we are actively involved in making our country great. We have a great opportunity to make a difference,” said Khan. John Sargood, Chief Flying Instructor at Focus Air, said instead of letting young people down, there was now a chance to expose them to the many different career opportunities in the aviation sector. “The fuse has been lit with this programme,” he said. The school has seven planes with 12 professional instructors.

arthi.gopi@durban.gov.za