 | Dear Mr. Kuznetzov, 1.On behalf of the European and North Atlantic Office of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICA) I wish to extend my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Riga Aeronautical Institute (RAI). Since its establishment, your training institution has always contributed to the community of aviation professionals worldwide, graduating an impressive number of people in the areas of Transport Services, Electronics and Mechanics and training many aviation specialists (e.g. pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, air traffic controllers). 2. The latest ICAOlong-term air traffic forecast indicates that the global passenger and freight traffic will grow annually by 4.6 per cent and 4.4 per cent respectively until 2032, resulting in an increased demand for licensed personnel. 3.In this regard, the Assembly Resolution A39-29 - Next Generation of Aviation Professionals “urges Member States to work with the aviation community to identify long-term human resources needs and establish strategies to attract, educate and retain in the aviation sector aviation professionals, considering gender equality”. Additionally, the Assembly Resolution A39-30 - ICAO Gender Equality Programme urges Member States to share best practices and work in partnership with ICAO to create more opportunities for women in the aviation sector. 4.Keeping in mindthe above, and the ever increasing demand of highly qualified and reputable training institutions, Riga Aeronautical Institute (RAI) is a valuable member and therefore cannot be underestimated. 5.I wish you andyour team every success in the future endeavours and look forward to continuous collaboration in the framework of ICAO Next Generation of Aviation Professionals programme. Luis Fonseca de Almeida |
