Guyana has launched the region’s first-ever Air Transport Cadet Programme, a major step aimed at transforming the future of aviation across the Caribbean.The initiative introduced on Tuesday by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), International Air Cadet Training Ltd (iACT), Air Cadets Guyana and the University of Guyana, forms part of the ICAO Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Plus (NGAP+) Programme.The programme targets youths ages 11 to 16 through extracurricular aviation studies, while those 16 and older will progress into vocational and professional training. It is designed to build a sustainable and highly skilled workforce for the region’s rapidly expanding aviation sector.Delivering the keynote address at the launch, President Dr Irfaan Ali, said the programme is nothing short of a strategic national mission.“This initiative is not one by accident or chance. It is clearing a new flight path for our nation’s future,” he said.Calling the initiative a cornerstone of Guyana’s aviation ambitions, he said the country is already accelerating.“Guyana’s aviation sector is cleared for takeoff and is poised for a steep but safe climb.“Together, we are building a crew for a journey of national transformation,” Dr Ali said.Promising widespread, inclusive benefits as the domestic aviation network expands, the President Ali vowed that development would reach every corner of the country.“No region, no community will be left on the tarmac of progress. Our mission is to link urban to rural and rural to hinterland, not just by road or river, but by the most powerful connector of all- the air,” Dr Ali said.However, he stressed that the expansion demand a new generation of homegrown aviation talent, from freight forwarders to flight operations specialists.“A lot of cargo is going to be moved and we will need freight forwarders and logistics professionals. This is not a side project, this is a strategic national investment. “We are here to cultivate a new core of professionals,” he said.Dr. Ali urged young people to seize the moment.“You are not entering a stagnant industry; you are catching the wave of its greatest growth,” he added.Addressing the first cohort of cadets directly, President Ali offered both encouragement and a challenge.Meanwhile, iACT Chief Executive Officer, Malcolm Evans, said Guyana is setting the pace for the entire region.“This initiative is a pivotal point for Guyana’s aviation sector.“It will help deliver the President’s vision and will be the first programme to bring to CARICOM and South America the latest ICAO standards, turning them into actions others can come, see and learn from,” Evans said.The post ‘Our skies are open for growth’- President Ali says as first aviation cadet programme launched appeared first on News Room Guyana.