Press Release

The Bahamas Department of Aviation, in The Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, signed an historic Amended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) to expand aviation education, training, and workforce development opportunities for Bahamians.

The signing ceremony, held on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in Muffreeboro, Tennessee on August 13, 2026, formalizes a strengthened partnership aimed at building domestic capacity in aviation and ensuring Bahamians are positioned to lead the sector.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, The Honourable JoBeth Coleby-Davis, Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation said, “Today we take a significant step towards securing the future of aviation in The Bahamas. By signing this amended MOU we are not simply signing a document, we are signing a commitment to our people, to our young Bahamians who dream of becoming
pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and aviation leaders who will continue to propel The Bahamas as the Regional Leaders in Aviation”.

Other members of The Bahamas Delegation included Director of Aviation, Dr. Kenneth Romer; Chairman of The Airport Authority, Mr. Paul Beans; Managing Director of The Airport Authority, Mr. Peter Rutherford; and a delegation from The University of The Bahamas led by Council Chair Mrs. Allyson Maynard-Gibson and President Robert Blayne.

Through this agreement, MTSU – one of the most respected aviation universities in the United States – will work with the Department of Aviation, and also in collaboration with The University of The Bahamas, to:

1. Aide in the development of Bahamian Talent by creating pathways for Bahamians to access world-class training in flight, aviation maintenance, aviation management, Air Traffic Control, Aerospace advancements and aviation safety, among others. This builds the Bahamianization of the Bahamian aviation sector to ensure that it continue to prepare the future leaders of Bahamian Aviation.
2. Strengthen Institutional Capacity by supporting curriculum development, instructor training, and certification programs so that the country can deliver more training to existing aviation professionals.
3. Support National Resilience by ensuring that the aviation sector has the skilled workforce to operate and maintain resilient airports and air services across New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands, especially as the country exploits opportunities in climate sustainability and infrastructural developments.
4. Work collaboratively over the coming months to finalize program implementation timelines and student intake processes for a customized summer internship initiative and in-person and online academic and vocational studies.

“This is an historic day, as we put together an incredible opportunity between this great University and The Commonwealth of The Bahamas in advancing a programme and collaboration on a world class partnership with The Department of Aviation to enhance the aviation workforce and deepen our shared commitment to excellence, safety, and opportunities for existing and future aviation professionals”, said MTSU President Sidney McPhee.

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