Some students during the training session.
SIMPSON BAY--For many years, aspiring air traffic controllers depended on overseas training facilities in Curaçao and Trinidad. Air traffic controllers are required to obtain Flight Data Operator (FDO) certification as part of their training. This certification had previously only been available overseas and involved an intensive two-year training programme. Today, Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) is providing that expertise in St. Maarten through the development of the PJIA Aviation Training Academy (PATA).
The airport has invested in a dedicated training facility, including modern classrooms and simulator facilities, creating the foundation for a sustainable aviation training programme that allows future professionals to receive requisite training in St. Maarten.
As the Academy’s capacity continues to grow, PJIA will make its training programmes available to aviation professionals from neighbouring islands, therefore positioning St. Maarten as a regional training centre for Air Traffic Services (ATS) and the wider aviation industry. By bringing aviation training closer to home, PJIA can strengthen knowledge, expertise and operational capacity across the region while reducing dependence on and the cost of overseas training.
