Puerto Rico Aeronautical Institute and Lufthansa Technik sign training agreement

The Aeronautical Institute of Puerto Rico (IAAPR by its Spanish initials) and the U.S. Labor Department signed a collaborative agreement with Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico (LTPR) to recognize its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Apprenticeship Program, Gouverneur Ricardo Rosselló announced.

The apprenticeship program, which has been developed in collaboration with the University of Puerto Rico's IAAPR and the Labor Department, will train 12 candidates to become aeronautical mechanics through a three-year IAAPR program and carry out their field practice at the Lufthansa Technik facility. The candidates may also receive financial aid.

This is the first learning program specialized in MRO registered in the United States, designed to benefit the aeronautics industry internationally. The agreement was signed by LTPR's Chief Executive Officer, Pat Foley, the regional director of the Labor Department's Apprenticeship Office, Charles A. McNeil III, and IAAPR Executive Director Wilmer Arroyo.

"This initiative certainly contributes to strengthen the institute's programs within the aeronautical sector, and encourages the creation of new training programs that can be developed from our island and with its resources," the governor said during a press conference in IAAPR headquarters, in Aguadilla.

This initiative is part of the commercial and academic relationship developed between the IAAPR and Lufthansa Technik since 2015; year in which the IAAPR successfully began to offer the academic certification of its Base Aircraft Overhaul Program, in alliance with Germany-based Lufthansa.

The certification, unique in Puerto Rico, offers participants the knowledge and basic practical skills in various areas related with the inspection, maintenance, and repair of aircrafts.

This certification, unique in Puerto Rico, provides participants with basic practical knowledge and skills in various areas related to aircraft inspection, maintenance and repair.