Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) and Aviation Australia have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in aircraft maintenance training and workforce development, reinforcing efforts to develop the next generation of licensed aircraft maintenance engineers for Brunei Darussalam.
The agreement formalises a long-term partnership between the two organisations, building on the successful training of RB engineering apprentices currently studying at Aviation Australia in Brisbane.
The collaboration centres on delivering the internationally recognised Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering under Aviation Australia’s European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 147 approval, equipping students with the technical knowledge and practical skills required for careers in aircraft maintenance engineering.
Under the agreement, both organisations will work together to train aircraft maintenance engineers, deliver customised training programmes, share technical expertise and industry best practices, and explore future workforce development initiatives aimed at supporting the long-term sustainability of Brunei’s aviation sector.
Image: RB
The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from Aviation Australia, Royal Brunei Airlines and Austrade, and witnessed by Acting High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam David van der Zwaag.
Aviation Australia Chief Executive Officer Glenn Ryan said the partnership reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to developing highly skilled aviation professionals and creating sustainable workforce pathways.
“We have been training Royal Brunei Airlines students for some time and continue to see outstanding results from the cohort. Their professionalism, dedication and strong academic performance are a testament to both the quality of training delivered by Aviation Australia and the commitment of Royal Brunei Airlines to investing in its future workforce,” he said.
Ryan added that the strategic agreement marks a significant step in building a sustainable pipeline of engineering talent to support the long-term growth of Royal Brunei Airlines while strengthening aviation capability across the region.
Royal Brunei Airlines Interim Chief Executive Officer Colonel Norsuriati Haji Sharbini said the partnership represents an important investment in the airline’s future and demonstrates its commitment to nurturing local talent.
“By equipping our employees with internationally recognised qualifications and industry-leading technical expertise, we are strengthening our engineering capabilities additionally to contribute to Brunei Darussalam’s Wawasan 2035 aspiration of building a highly skilled and educated workforce,” she said.
Image: RB
She added that developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers is essential to supporting operational excellence, maintaining the highest safety standards and ensuring the airline is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry.
Representing Aviation Australia at the signing ceremony, Chief Commercial Officer Brendan Mikkelson said the agreement provides a clear framework for future collaboration.
He noted that Aviation Australia has witnessed firsthand the capability, enthusiasm and professionalism of Royal Brunei Airlines employees and is proud to support their journey towards becoming licensed aircraft maintenance engineers.
Mikkelson added that the collaboration will help develop the next generation of aviation professionals while ensuring the industry has access to a skilled workforce for years to come.
According to Aviation Australia, the MoU further strengthens its growing international training partnerships and reinforces its position as a leading provider of aviation education and workforce development solutions across the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative also supports Brunei Darussalam’s Wawasan 2035 and aligns with Australia’s Invested: Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
