The Bermuda Airport Authority (BAA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dubai Air Navigation Services to advance cooperation in civil aviation. The agreement was signed on November 20, 2025, by Mr. Lester Nelson, CEO of the BAA, and Mr. Khalid Aljabir, Senior Vice President of Operations at Dubai Air Navigation Services, on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow, in the United Arab Emirates.
The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a programme of collaboration focused on knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the sharing of best practices in the civil aviation sector. The areas of cooperation include the recruitment and development of air traffic control officers, specialized air traffic training, engineering support, and airspace design.
Through this partnership, the BAA seeks to strengthen its recruitment of air navigation professionals, enhance its operational expertise, expand exposure to international standards, and create new opportunities for Bermudians who wish to build careers in aviation.
Minister of Tourism and Transport, Culture and Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, stated, “This agreement represents a meaningful step forward for Bermuda. Dubai Air Navigation Services is a global leader in air traffic management and advanced civil aviation systems. This partnership will support the development of Bermudian talent, expand access to world-class training, and strengthen our long-term capacity to deliver safe and modern aviation services.”
Mr. Lester Nelson, CEO of the BAA, commented, “Our engagement with Dubai Air Navigation Services opens the door to a level of expertise that few jurisdictions can access. Their organization has achieved remarkable results in air traffic management and workforce development. This partnership positions Bermuda to learn from proven approaches, to refine our technical capabilities, and to empower a new generation of Bermudians with the skills needed for the aviation sector of the future.”
In addition to Mr. Lester Nelson, the Bermudian delegation at the Dubai Airshow included Ms. Muna Al Riyami, Chief Operations Officer of the BAA, Mr. Phillip Daniel Rogers, Director of the BAA’s Bermuda Weather Services, and Ms. Alexia Hefti, the Government’s Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa.
About the Bermuda Airport Authority: The Bermuda Airport Authority delivers a range of essential air navigation services at the L.F. Wade International Airport (LFWIA) including air traffic control, air traffic engineering, aeronautical information and Bermuda’s Weather Service. The Authority owns the LFWIA, on behalf of the Government of Bermuda and the Authority also oversees the performance of Bermuda Skyport Corporation Limited and its 30-year concession to operate, maintain and redevelop the airport.
About Dubai Air Navigation Services: Dubai Air Navigation Services is the provider of air traffic management for four airports in the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international passengers. DANS supports an aviation sector that contributes nearly 30 percent of Dubai’s gross domestic product and is preparing for significant growth, with aircraft movements across the UAE projected to reach 1.62 million by 2030. The organization manages complex and high-density airspace and delivers services that support safe and efficient operations on the ground and in the air.
