Albania is set to witness a significant development in its aviation sector as one of the world’s leading aircraft maintenance companies prepares to establish operations in the country. During the second week of October, the Italian excellence company will arrive in Albania to begin recruiting its first employees and introduce an entirely new industry for the nation.
The Italian company has formalized an agreement with the Vlorë Airport to construct the first aircraft maintenance hangars in the country, ensuring that all recruited positions are reserved for Albanian citizens. This move not only strengthens local employment but also introduces a global standard of aviation maintenance within Albania, aligning the country with international best practices in aviation safety and operations.
The announcement coincided with a signing ceremony with the Rector of the Polytechnic University, aimed at providing professional training opportunities for students through paid internships. The program will initially include 10 full-time paid interns, followed by a second phase with 15 additional participants, depending on the progress and needs of the project.
Balluku emphasized the hands-on nature of the internships, stating that students will rotate through various departments of the Road Authority (ARRSH) and participate in on-site activities at aviation maintenance facilities. Graduating students will be eligible for six-month internships, while final-year students will engage in three-month internships, ensuring that all participants gain practical exposure and professional experience within the sector.
Albania’s Prime Minister, Edi Rama, highlighted the value of such international partnerships in enhancing educational outcomes. He noted that a growing number of Albanian students are benefiting from programs that simulate international work environments, allowing them to gain global experience without leaving the country. "We aim to support every initiative that opens students to the world," Rama said. "These efforts help provide opportunities to gain professional experience locally while preparing for global competitiveness."
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The Prime Minister also encouraged faculty and students to actively participate in artificial intelligence (AI) projects. He stressed that regardless of geographical location or global ranking, AI provides a unique avenue for transformative achievements that would be otherwise impossible. “We are creating spaces in every university to enable students to invest their knowledge and curiosity in AI,” Rama explained.
Looking ahead, the Albanian government plans to include dedicated funding in the next year’s budget to support these initiatives, ensuring sustained growth in emerging technologies and industries. The establishment of the aviation maintenance sector, combined with AI-focused educational projects, reflects Albania’s commitment to creating high-skill jobs and equipping the younger generation with the tools to thrive in an increasingly technological and globalized world.
This landmark project represents a dual benefit: the creation of skilled jobs in a brand-new sector and the empowerment of students through structured, paid practical experience. As Albania continues to align with international standards, such initiatives promise to accelerate economic development while nurturing local talent capable of competing on the global stage.
With the arrival of this Italian company and the collaboration with Albanian educational institutions, the country is taking a decisive step toward building a modern, sustainable, and knowledge-driven economy. Students, educators, and aspiring professionals now have the opportunity to participate in a transformative phase for Albania’s aviation and technology sectors.