The Regional Director for Transport said today on Santa Maria that the Government of the Azores will continue to create the conditions so that this island may seize its potential in the aviation sector, being an area of historic importance to the easternmost island of the archipelago.

"Contrary to sceptics’ beliefs, the Regional Government has always believed in the potentialities of the Azores Aviation Centre (CFAA), namely its role in the development of aeronautical cluster on Santa Maria as well as its unquestionable contribution to the local economy," said Luís Quintanilha.

Speaking at seminar organised by the CFAA on the occasion of its second anniversary, the Regional Director recalled that this training centre was an investment implemented by the Government of the Azores. The government official assured that the Government is committed to continue this project; the latter is based on the belief that the island of Santa Maria has "a huge potential in terms of airport infrastructures, which justifies the investments made."

In his speech, Luís Quintanilha restated the commitment taken towards CFAA, stressing that the Regional Government will continue building synergies so that "this Training Centre will continue to assert itself in the aviation world in benefit of the Azorean population."
For Luís Quintanilla, this training centre is "an excellent example" of good practices in the area of training and aviation.

"Nevertheless, and because the technological world is constantly changing, evolution is crucial. We must keep pace with the latest global trends in the world of aviation. In this regard, I have to congratulate the centre for the organisation of this seminar," said the government official.
The Regional Director also recalled that in order to promote its internationalisation, the CFAA was designated as Regional Partner of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to Portugal, a partnership that will boost the uptake of training from other companies to this centre.

"This was definitely a major step that dignifies our efforts and brings an important business opportunity for SATA, with benefits to the island as well as to the Autonomous Region of the Azores," the Regional Director said, adding that the aeronautical training provided by this centre is a source of pride.

Since the opening of this centre, the training activities have already covered over two thousand participants, which corresponds to more than 45 thousand hours of training provide to SATA employees and two thousand hours of training provided to external trainees.

"It is also important to note that the participation of trainees in this centre represents approximately 14 thousand overnight stays. The centre has the potential to attract new visitors, thus contributing to the increase of the hotel occupancy rate," said Luís Quintanilha.