The Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS), with support from Boeing, hosted the ‘Sky Futures Oman’ aviation forum in Muscat on October 12, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, academics and students to discuss the country’s aviation priorities and future workforce needs.

The forum provided MCBS students with opportunities to engage with industry experts and present research on sustainable aviation, artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced air mobility.

“Our purpose at MCBS is to give students the best possible learning experience, and that includes direct exposure to the expertise shaping their industries,” said Dr. Moosa Al Kindi, dean of the Modern College of Business and Science. “Working with Boeing on ‘Sky Futures Oman’ gives our students the chance to learn from leading professionals and build the skills the aviation sector needs, in support of Oman Vision 2040.”

Boeing highlighted the growing demand for aviation professionals across the region and the importance of developing local talent to support Oman’s sector ambitions.

“Boeing forecasts that the Middle East will need 236,000 new aviation professionals over the next 20 years, and Oman has a pivotal role to play”, said Fahad Al Mheiri, Boeing president for the Middle East and North Africa. “We have partnered with Oman for more than 30 years, and together with MCBS we are helping Omani students gain the skills needed to deliver on the National Aviation Strategy 2040.”

The programme included a session with Dr. Sumaiya Al Nabhani, head of the National Aviation Strategy Management Team at Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority, a fireside conversation with Al Mheiri, and industry panels examining the implementation of the National Aviation Strategy and emerging aviation technologies.

Representatives from Boeing, Oman Duty Free, Al Sharqiya Aviation, AeroVecto, ESBAAR and Utopia participated in the discussions.

Students also presented projects covering sustainable aviation, AI applications, advanced air mobility and uncrewed aircraft systems, alongside a student challenge.

At the event, MCBS and Boeing launched a new academic initiative, also called ‘Sky Futures Oman’, designed to prepare students for evolving industry requirements.

The programme will include applied learning in aviation, smart mobility, sustainability, data analytics and emerging aerospace technologies, alongside workshops, innovation challenges and student research.

The initiative builds on the organisations’ three-year partnership, which focuses on curriculum enrichment, industry engagement, innovation and sustainable aviation.

More than 500 MCBS undergraduates in aviation management, airport management, and transport and logistics management participate in the partnership annually.

MCBS is the only institution in Oman offering bachelor’s degrees in both aviation management and airport management. -TradeArabia News Service