BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 25. 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,
performed in Azerbaijan at the NAA Campus 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 the NAA in
Azerbaijan followed by additional type rating training, that is not
affiliated with any of Spartan’s curriculum or training,” said Rob
Polston, Chief Executive Officer, Spartan Education Group.


"Airlines that recognize the strategic value of a reliable
pipeline of certificated aviation maintenance technicians will be
better positioned to sustain long-term growth,” Rob Polston
continued. “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 cooperation is essential to achieve our ambitions to
further develop and enhance the Azerbaijan aviation sector as part
of our transportation infrastructure,” said Rashad Nabiev, Minister
of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan.


“This cooperation will play a significant role in expanding
international development in aviation education in Azerbaijan and
in 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.


The distinguished group 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.


Sponsoring the first cohort of students are Silk Way Group
represented by CEO Zaur Akhundov and COO Onno Pietersma and
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) Chairman Samir Rzayev and Chief
Technical Director Scott McConnell.







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 Airlines
(AZAL), 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.