Airlink donates Embraer jet to support aviation training in Gauteng schools

August 19, 2025 in Companies by Editor

Southern African airline Airlink has donated a decommissioned Embraer 135 regional jet to the Gauteng Department of Basic Education (GDE) for use in aviation training at Rhodesfield Engineering School of Specialisation (SOS) in Kempton Park.

The aircraft, which flew more than 30,000 flights over its service life, will be used as a practical teaching aid for learners enrolled in aviation courses under the GDE’s Engineering SOS initiative. The programme is aimed at addressing engineering skills shortages in the province as part of wider economic development priorities.

Airlink will also fund the two-year placement of two newly qualified aircraft maintenance technicians at the school. Both are young black women who completed their apprenticeships at the airline’s maintenance facility at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport.

“The aircraft will be an invaluable teaching aid for our Grade 11 and 12 learners taking aviation as their eighth matric subject. This year we have 45 learners, most of them from Tembisa,” said Caroline Ngxanga, Acting Principal of Rhodesfield Engineering SOS.

Gauteng MEC for Education, Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, welcomed the donation, saying it would enhance hands-on learning not only at Rhodesfield but also for learners from other schools in the province who will have access to the training.

Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht said the initiative reflects the airline’s broader commitment to supporting aviation education. “By placing a real aircraft in learners’ hands and providing qualified engineers as trainers, we can help bridge the gap between theory and practical experience,” he said.

Although some components were removed to support Airlink’s active fleet, the airline pledged to continue donating spare parts to the school over time.

The ERJ135 jet, manufactured by Brazil’s Embraer, can seat 37 passengers, has a range of 2,400 km, and is powered by two Rolls-Royce AE