Ministry of Land and Korea Aerospace University Hold 'ICAO Global Aviation Policy Fellowship' Degree Conferment Ceremony

25 Aviation Professionals from Developing Countries Graduate
Completion of Master's Program in Aviation Policy

Korea Aerospace University announced on December 15 that it held the 'ICAO Global Aviation Policy Fellowship' degree conferment ceremony, sponsored by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, at the Vision Hall on campus on December 12.

Participants are taking a commemorative photo at the 'ICAO Global Aviation Policy Fellowship' degree conferment ceremony. Provided by Korea Aerospace University

The event was attended by Heo Heeyoung, President of Korea Aerospace University; Lee Dongmyeong, Acting Dean of the College of Aviation and Business and Graduate School; Kim Jinki, the project’s lead professor; Park Hyochul, Head of the International Cooperation Team for Aviation Qualifications at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; Heo Juhui, Head of the Glocal Business Division at Korea Airports Corporation; and Marcelo Maltese, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Paraguay in Korea, among other officials.

The ICAO Global Aviation Policy Fellowship is an international cooperation program that offers a master's degree in aviation policy to public sector professionals from developing countries among the member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Supported by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Korea Aerospace University serves as the implementing institution for the program. The goal is to nurture professionals equipped with the capabilities to formulate aviation policy and design master plans for the aviation industry. Following its selection as the implementing institution for the first year, Korea Aerospace University has been consecutively chosen for the second year and continues to operate this program.

At this graduation ceremony, 25 trainees from 24 countries who participated in the 2024-2025 program received their master's degrees. Over the course of one year and five months, the trainees systematically built policy expertise applicable to their respective countries' aviation industries through theoretical education in aviation policy, aviation management, and aviation and airport operations, as well as field trips and internships. The graduates will return to their home countries sequentially throughout December to apply their expertise at their respective national aviation authorities and related organizations.

In his congratulatory remarks, Heo Heeyoung, President of Korea Aerospace University, stated, "You have come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, but you participated in this program with the shared goal of advancing your countries' aviation industries. Here, you have acquired expertise in aviation policy, an international perspective, and leadership skills. Now, as proud alumni of Korea Aerospace University, I urge you to play an active role in the global aviation leadership community."

Park Hyochul, Head of the International Cooperation Team for Aviation Qualifications at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, remarked in his congratulatory speech, "The Global Aviation Policy Fellowship is Korea's representative program for nurturing global aviation experts. I hope you will grow into policy leaders who drive the development of your countries' aviation industries, building on the experiences you have gained through this program."

Alberto Singo is receiving the President's Award at the ICAO Global Aviation Policy Fellowship graduation ceremony. Provided by Korea Aerospace University

Heo Juhui, Head of the Glocal Business Division at Korea Airports Corporation, also commented, "The knowledge, field experience, and networks you have built during this program will serve as an important foundation for future international cooperation. I will continue to support your growth as global aviation experts."

The President's Award was presented to Alberto Singo De Jesus Tokunaga Barboza from Paraguay, while the Graduate School Dean's Award was given to Mireya Elizabeth Escalante Codena from Ecuador and Binayak Bhattarai from Nepal.

Korea Aerospace University plans to continue providing education and research infrastructure through the Global Aviation Policy Fellowship, enabling aviation professionals from developing countries to formulate aviation policies suited to their national circumstances and to lead the advancement of their aviation industries.