Dec. 4, 2014
CWU, IASCO Flight Training Sign Contract for Aviation Degree Program
After several months of negotiations, IASCO Flight Training (IFT) signed a five-year contract today with Central Washington University to provide flight-training services to CWU aviation students. The contract was signed by CWU Provost Marilyn Levine, on behalf of CWU. IFT was represented by Siubun Chu, a majority shareholder of IFT and the president of Qingdao Jiutian International Flight Academy Co., Ltd.
“We are very pleased with this contract,” said Chu, who also toured the CWU aviation facilities today. “There are many opportunities for both Chinese and American students at CWU.”
IFT has been providing flight training for CWU aviation students since October, facilitated through a letter of intent. Today’s signing formalizes their commitment to the university and its students.
In addition to lowering flight-training costs, the IFT contract includes a safety management system plan that meets industry needs and will bring the aviation program a step closer to specialized accreditation by the Aviation Accreditation Board International. Included in the contract is a provision to explore the development of an international studies program at CWU for students associated with the Jiutian International Flight Academy.
“IFT was intrigued by the opportunities at CWU,” said Marilyn Levine, CWU provost. “Ellensburg's blue skies, strong international studies programs, and excellent aviation program make CWU and IASCO excellent partners in this initiative.”
CWU’s aviation program enrolls about 100 students annually who collectively fly nearly 6,800 hours per year. The program activity accounts for about 80 percent of takeoffs and landings at Bowers Field in Ellensburg. The contract with IFT, in addition to educating students, is designed to ensure the long-term stability of the program.
It is estimated that growth in the aviation industry will demand an additional 416,000 new pilots in the next few years, requiring an annual investment in pilot training of approximately $3.5 billion.
Photo: The contract was signed by CWU Provost Marilyn Levine, on behalf of CWU. IFT was represented by Siubun Chu, a majority shareholder of IFT and the president of Qingdao Jiutian International Flight Academy Co., Ltd.
Media Contact: Linda Schactler, Chief of Staff and Executive Director of Public Affairs, 509-963-1384, schactler@cwu.edu