Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology and National Aviation Academy of Azerbaijan sign Cooperation Agreement to Train Azerbaijan's Next Generation of Aviation Maintenance Technicians

Agreement will prepare students from Azerbaijan for aviation maintenance careers through Spartan's hybrid Aviation Maintenance Technology program, with hands-on training delivered at its Denver-area campus in Broomfield, Colorado, USA.

BAKU, Azerbaijan & BROOMFIELD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology (Spartan) and National Aviation Academy (NAA) of Azerbaijan have announced a cooperation agreement. Under the agreement, students from Azerbaijan will enroll in Spartan's Aviation Maintenance Technology hybrid program, which leads to an AAS degree awarded by Spartan's Tulsa, Oklahoma campus upon successful completion.

“Developing modern aviation is important to the future of Azerbaijan,” said Rector Arif Pashayev of NAA. “In addition to scientific research and integration of new technologies, training a qualified work force is central to our efforts. Being able to provide not only excellent vocational training but an international experience with a partner like Spartan is an exciting opportunity for our students.”

The AMT program combines 13 months of online coursework with interactive content and 8 months of practical hands-on lab training. Under a consortium agreement between Spartan's Tulsa and Broomfield campuses, the practical lab portion will take place in Broomfield, Colorado. There, students will work directly on aircraft, engines, and components under the guidance of experienced, FAA certified instructors. After graduation, the students will be eligible to sit for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant examinations. Upon returning to Baku, the students will spend approximately 2 months in a State Civil Aviation Agency (Azerbaijan) conversion course at NAA followed by additional type rating training, that is not affiliated with any of Spartan’s curriculum or training.

"Airlines that recognize the strategic value of a reliable pipeline of certificated aviation maintenance technicians will be better positioned to sustain long-term growth,” said Robert Polston, CEO of Spartan Education Group. “Our cooperation agreement with NAA represents an important step, beginning with the training of technicians currently employed by Silk Way Group and AZAL. This partnership reflects a mutual commitment to long-term, strategic relationships that strengthen the Azerbaijani aviation workforce.”

“This initiative is essential to achieving our ambitions to further develop and enhance the Azerbaijan aviation sector, an important part of our transportation infrastructure,” said Rashad Nabiev, Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan.

“This cooperation will play a significant role in developing and expanding international aviation education in Azerbaijan, training a new generation of aviation professionals,” said Farhad Azima, Founder and CEO of ALG Transportation Group, who played an important role in bringing these two partners together.

Additionally, supporting this initiative and in attendance at the signing were Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev, Rector of ADA University and Deputy Minister of Science and Education Firudin Gurbanov.

Representing Silk Way Group and Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) were CEO Zaur Akhundov and COO Onno Pietersma and Chairman Samir Rzayev and Chief Technical Director Scott McConnell, respectively. Together, Silk Way Group and AZAL are sponsoring the first cohort of students.

And representing Spartan were CEO Robert Polston, EVP of Strategy and Development Daniel Bregman and Board of Directors Member Capt. David Bourne.

The first cohort, of sixty-one students, is participating in the ADA University intensive English language preparation course with a technical aviation focus. After enrolling at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology the students will begin their AMT studies on November 16, 2026.

About Spartan College

Established in 1928, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology is a system of three schools with four locations and has trained over 100,000 pilots and technicians. Campuses are located in the following areas: Tulsa, OK; Los Angeles, CA; Inland Empire, CA; and Denver, CO. Spartan students have come from across the United States and over 40 countries. To learn more and for consumer information, location of training, school licensing and accreditation visit www.Spartan.edu. Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by campus and are subject to change. Third-party certifications and employment opportunities are not guaranteed. Financing options are available for those who apply and qualify. Administrative office: Spartan Education Group, LLC, 1 N. Franklin St., Suite 2125, Chicago, IL 60606

About National Aviation Academy of Azerbaijan

The National Aviation Academy (NAA) of Azerbaijan, based in Baku, is Azerbaijan's leading higher education institution for civil aviation and aerospace. It was founded in 1992 as the National Aviation Centre and took its current name in 1994. NAA offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in pilot training, air traffic control, aircraft maintenance and engineering, avionics, and airport and logistics management. It operates under ICAO standards and a working arrangement with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Learn more at naa.edu.az.