Over the years, the adoption of unmanned aircrafts has become central to the functions of various businesses like content creation, and the demand for skills to operate and fly these drones is high.
Noticing this gap, Kenya Airways is inviting aspiring drone pilots seeking to gain skills and obtain a Remote Pilot License (RPL) in an effort to diversify its revenue stream in the wake of low demand for passengers.
If you want to train with KQ, you will have to part with Sh180,000 per month for the course. The National carrier through its Fahari subsidiary has opened the training course for those interested in operating drones but do not have licences, which is a prerequisite by the civil aviation agency.
The charges which are pretty hefty will also exclude the cost of obtaining a Class 3 aviation medical exam which costs about Sh10,000.
“We have an introductory price of Sh180,000 for a Remote Pilot License (RPL) training course. The training will take four weeks and will comprise theory and practical sessions.” An official told journalists.
KQ had earlier in the year announced a partnership with a United Kingdom-based logistics firm to offer drone services as it sought to diversify its income source and cut reliance on passenger travel, which has been hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Also Read: Here’s How Much Owning And Flying A Drone will Cost You in Kenya
The national carrier announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Skyports to collaborate on launching drone operations in the country.
A number of firms have also announced interest in drone operations in Kenya among them Astral Aviation, which is targeting the use of the UAVs in traffic management, training of drone pilots, and mapping activities.
