Skopje, May 2024 – In the working premises of the Mother Teresa University in Skopje at the Faculty of Science and Research, the Vice-Rector Lecturer Bekim Fetaji, Ph.D.; the Vice-Rector for Education and Student Affairs, Lecturer Fati Iseni, Ph.D.; the Vice-Rector for Finance, Investments and Development, Lecturer Bujamin Bela, Ph.D.; the Dean of the Faculty of Technical Sciences, Lecturer Neritan Turkesi, Ph.D.; and Assoc. Prof. Ilir Mehmedi, Ph.D., expert in aeronautics, welcomed the Mechanical Engineering lecturers and experts, as well as Senior Lecturer Edmondo Minisci, Ph.D., from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, the United Kingdom; Lecturer Mirlind Bruqi, Ph.D., from the University of Pristina; and Lecturer Parid Alimhillaj, Ph.D., from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Tirana.

The purpose of the meeting was to create an Aeronautical Engineering study program in the Balkan region, which will specifically serve Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro, whose initiative aims to respond to the growing demand for qualified professionals in the aviation industry.

The regional universities currently involved in this joint effort are the Polytechnic University of Tirana, the University of Pristina, Mother Teresa University in Skopje, as well as the University of Tetovo, and efforts are currently being made to involve universities from Montenegro.

The program aims to provide high-quality education and training to students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in various aspects of the aviation industry, including airport management, air traffic control, and aircraft maintenance.