The academy aims to build a new force in aviation focused on innovation, learning and capitalising on opportunity. 

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has launched a new Irish World Aviation Academy based at University of Limerick. 

The Irish World Aviation Academy (IWAA) is a strategic partnership between UL and AirNav Ireland, the new national air navigation service provider established to manage air traffic control in Irish airspace. 

The IWAA was launched by Mr Martin in Dublin Airport today. It is not yet clear when people may apply to the academy. 

The academy will deliver “experiential and research-led education” in aviation and focus on the career requirements of the Irish aviation sector. 

Mr Martin said the academy reflects UL’s “proud” history in aviation and AirNav Ireland’s cooperation with the university.  

“Universities are the birthplace of fresh thinking, innovation and business development, and our economy needs the ideas for the future that emerge from them,” he said.  

University and commerical collaboration

This is one of the first times a university and commerical state company have collaborated to form a new research and educational entity.  

“This Academy, operated jointly by UL and Air Nav Ireland, will be a flagship for the future of embedded learning in aviation,” UL President Professor Kerstin Mey said.  

“It will offer executive learning and leadership capability development to senior personnel.” 

AirNav Ireland CEO Dr Peter Kearney said the IWAA “aligns with AirNav Ireland’s priorities to drive continual improvement and excellence through skills and innovation”. 

“It will support high skilled aviation jobs delivering high quality graduates ready to meet the challenges and opportunities in aviation in the coming years,” he said.