MUSCAT: The Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS) with support from Boeing [NYSE: BA] hosted the ‘Sky Futures Oman’ aviation forum on October 12 in Muscat. The forum brought together aviation leaders, policymakers, academics and future talent to discuss Oman’s aviation priorities and give MCBS students the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and showcase their research in sustainable aviation, artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced air mobility.

“Our purpose at MCBS is to give students the best possible learning experience, and that includes direct exposure to the expertise shaping their industries,” said Dr. Moosa Al Kindi, dean of the Modern College of Business and Science. “Working with Boeing on ‘Sky Futures Oman’ gives our students the chance to learn from leading professionals and build the skills the aviation sector needs, in support of Oman Vision 2040.”

“Boeing forecasts that the Middle East will need 236,000 aviation professionals over the next 20 years, and Oman has a pivotal role to play”, said Fahad Al Mheiri, Boeing president for the Middle East and North Africa. “We have partnered with Oman for more than 30 years, and together with MCBS we’re helping Omani students gain the skills needed to deliver on the National Aviation Strategy 2040.”

The forum featured an in-depth session with Dr. Sumaiya Al Nabhani, Head of the National Aviation Strategy Management Team at the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman, a fireside conversation with Fahad Al Mheiri, and industry panels on delivering Oman’s aviation strategy and the technologies shaping the future of Oman’s aviation industry. Leaders from Boeing, Oman Duty Free, Al Sharqiya Aviation, AeroVecto, ESBAAR and Utopia took part in the sessions.

Students showcased their projects in sustainable aviation, artificial intelligence applications, advanced air mobility and uncrewed aircraft systems and participated in the student challenge.

At the forum, MCBS and Boeing launched a new academic initiative under the same name ‘Sky Futures Oman’ to help meet demand for future-ready talent. The program will include applied learning in aviation, smart mobility, sustainability, data analytics and emerging aerospace technologies, workshops, innovation challenges and student research.

The forum built on the established relationship between the Modern College of Business and Science and Boeing. The partnership, now in its third year, supports curriculum enrichment and industry engagement, with a focus on innovation and sustainable aviation. More than 500 MCBS undergraduates in aviation management, airport management and transport and logistics management participate each year. MCBS is the only institution in Oman to offer bachelor’s degrees in both aviation management and airport management.