Airlink, Southern Africa’s premier airline, has donated a decommissioned Embraer 135 regional jet to the Gauteng Department of Basic Education (GDE) to be used as an aviation training aid at Rhodesfield Engineering School of Specialisation (SOS) in Kempton Park.

By Jarryd Sinovich

The aircraft will provide hands-on learning for Grade 11 and 12 aviation students enrolled in the GDE’s Engineering SOS initiative, which is designed to address Gauteng’s critical engineering skills shortage and support the province’s economic development priorities. This year, 45 learners, including 13 girls, are studying aviation as an additional matric subject. Most of them are from Tembisa.

To strengthen the impact of the donation, Airlink will also fund the two-year deployment of two newly-qualified aircraft maintenance technicians as trainers on the jet. Both women completed apprenticeships at Airlink and currently work at the airline’s maintenance facility at O.R. Tambo International Airport.

“This aircraft will be an invaluable teaching tool for our learners, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge directly to real-world systems,” said Caroline Ngxanga, Acting Principal of Rhodesfield Engineering SOS. Gauteng’s MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, added that the jet would also benefit learners from other schools, who will access specialised programmes and experiential training.

Airlink CEO De Villiers Engelbrecht said the initiative forms part of the airline’s long-term investment in skills development. “By placing a real aircraft in learners’ hands and supporting them with qualified trainers, we are helping to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals,” he said.

The ERJ135, delivered new to Airlink in 2013, logged more than 32,000 flight hours before retirement. Although some components were removed to support active fleet operations, Airlink pledged to supply spare parts to the school over time.