Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) has partnered with former ABAG chairman Francisco Lyra's C>Fly Aviation to generate the Brazilian Civil Aviation Human Resources Annual Report. The project represents an effort to directly address the need for pilots, mechanics and other professionals in promoting aviation in Latin America. Its goal, in part, is to provide “a view of the existing shortfalls which must be overcome to ensure sustainable long term sector growth.” Lyra told AIN that he and ERAU will be seeking sponsors for the report during LABACE 2016.

ERAU returned to Brazil with a splash during LABACE 2015, recognizing graduates of its WWII-era training programs in São Paulo. This year, while not an exhibitor, the school reaffirmed longer-range and broader goals. The recession has stalled aviation and the exchange rate has made ERAU a more expensive proposition for potential Brazilian students. “But things for ERAU in South America are going very well!” according to Fabio Campos, whose title at ERAU has broadened from just Brazil to “University Liaison to South America,” hinting at further ambitions.

Campos noted that besides opening a permanent office in São Paulo, ERAU is also partnering with airlines association ABEAR and transport federation institute ITL to offer, starting in October, an aviation management certificate program to major airline pilots and managers.

ERAU is also expanding its partnership with PUCRS, the first university in Brazil to offer a civil aviation degree. The Safety & Human Factors Specialization course offered successfully in 2015 will be repeated in early 2017, followed later in the year by an advanced course. The faculty exchange program already underway has been joined by a winter and summer break study-abroad programs for ERAU students in Brazil and PUCRS students in the US.