FOUR Solomon Islanders and 10 Fiji students have moved a step closer to becoming Air Traffic Controllers with the completion of formal studies at the AFL Aviation Academy in Nadi.
A statement said a graduation ceremony was held at the academy last Friday with AFL chief executive Tony Gollin telling the successful students it was the first time AFL had shared its knowledge and skills with neighbouring countries, "but it certainly won't be the last".
"This marks a milestone in the company's history with the completion of a significant training course with the involvement of the Solomon Islanders," he added.
The statement said the students would now begin on-the-job training.
This will involve the Fiji students working in the control tower at Nadi International Airport, and the Solomon Islanders at Nausori Airport, both for six months.
With the successful completion of this phase of their training they will then become licensed Air Traffic Controllers.
Mr Gollin said the AFL academy was certified as a fully-accredited aviation training institution by the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji, the country's aviation regulatory body.
"This means the Air Traffic Control courses are now fully endorsed by the world's International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) that ensures the licence they receive when they finish their on-job-training are recognised by other states," he said.