Albania's aviation school opens, Rama: Kosovo can train here, have appointed defence minister on this issue

Rama said this new institution represents a turning point not only for Albania but also for regional security, stressing that the school will function according to NATO standards for training military pilots.

He underlined that the school has also opened for candidates from Kosovo, adding that Defence Minister Ermal Nufi is tasked with communicating with his counterpart in Kosovo to assess the interest in training future pilots at this institution.

According to him, the project has initially been met with scepticism, but today it has become a reality and is opening up new opportunities for young people reaching a career in military aviation.

“U wait in a mood for beginning, then went on charges of bankruptcy, and here we are today, the national flight school opens its doors. KAYO has taken full form with a series of partnerships. Today our armed force is the best paid in the region, and our ambition is that on the road to the EU, they will be on the average of NATO forces in terms of contributing the state of taxpayers to their salaries.

I'm experiencing a new chapter in the youth report to the armed forces. We have started hard to reach young people, but today it is harder to choose between candidates, and this school is another example. We have a considerable number of interested people, while our national school is open and trained and certified, new NATO countries' pilots in our country, starting from Kosovo”, Rama said.

He added that international co-operation in the field of training is being considered, including experience from Israel, while stressing that the project is part of a broader strategy for strengthening military capacities and civilian emergencies.

Rama also cited investments in the air fleet and increased capacity for emergency intervention, especially during the fire season, stressing that military helicopters are currently in operation and are expected to expand further fleets.

According to him, with the new norm act, Albania aims to significantly increase its military and civilian capacities, positioning as one of the highest readiness countries in the region.

Finally, he made it known that the opening of a school for special forces is also under way, as part of continued reforms in the defence sector.