Estonian Aviation Academy and aviation technology company Adacel Technologies Estonia OÜ (Adacel) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate
in the fields of education, research and development.
Cooperation between education institutions and industry partners plays an important role in ensuring that future aviation professionals are exposed to the technologies, operational practices, and expertise shaping the sector. Through this MoU, the Academy and Adacel aim to strengthen the connection between academic learning and the evolving needs of the aviation industry.
More Opportunities for Students and Academic Cooperation
This agreement identifies several potential areas of cooperation, including student internships, academic engagement by industry experts, and collaboration on student research projects.
The partnership creates opportunities to explore internship placements for Academy's students, subject to the operational needs and available opportunities within Adacel. In previous years, Adacel has provided internship opportunities for Academy's students, helping strengthen the connection between studies and practical industry experience.
“Given the importance of understanding the technology used in air traffic management, an internship at Adacel is particularly well suited with studies of the Air Traffic Services specialists. The internship is planned for the 2027/2028 academic year,” says Anu Vare, Head of the Air Traffic Services curriculum.
Adacel’s areas of activity may also provide opportunities for students to undertake thesis and research projects related to areas of activity within Adacel. Adacel subject matter experts may be involved in the thesis process, giving students the opportunity to benefit from their practical knowledge and industry experience.
The MoU also creates opportunities for Adacel subject matter experts to contribute to academic activities through guest lectures, industry presentations, and participation in the preparation and delivery of selected courses.
“For example, we would like to involve Adacel employees in courses related to professional training within the studies of the Air Traffic Services specialists,” says Vare.
Advancing Aviation Technology and Air Traffic Management
The MoU also identifies the exploration of research and development projects, as well as the potential for simulator and test environment capabilities, as a possible area of cooperation.
The partnership is expected to support knowledge sharing between academia and industry while enabling both organizations to explore new approaches to aviation education, research, and technology development.
“Collaboration between educational institutions and industry is essential for preparing the next generation aviation professionals,” said Georg Mäll, General Manager, Adacel. “We are pleased to establish this cooperation with Academy and look forward to sharing expertise, exploring opportunities for research and innovation, and helping students gain exposure to the
technologies and operational environments that support modern air navigation services.”
Framework for Future Cooperation
The MoU provides a framework for ongoing cooperation between
Academy and Adacel. The terms of specific projects, internships and other activities will be agreed upon separately as opportunities.
Estonian Aviation Academy is Estonia’s only higher education institution specialising in aviation and trains specialists for the aviation sector. The Academy cooperates with aviation companies and organisations to connect its teaching with the practical needs of the aviation sector.
Established in 1987, Adacel is a global provider of advanced air traffic control (ATC) simulation and training systems, air traffic management (ATM) systems, and digital tower solutions. The company applies cutting-edge technologies to deliver mission-
critical capabilities for civil and military aviation customers worldwide. Adacel’s customers include international air navigation service providers (ANSPs), airport authorities, universities and training organizations, and defense and security agencies.
Adacel’s MaxSim tower simulation and training systems are deployed at more sites than any other solution worldwide and were the first ATC simulators to introduce virtual and mixed-reality training into the classroom. More than 20% of the world’s airspace is managed using Adacel’s Aurora ATM systems. Adacel’s flagship digital tower platform, REVAL, delivers a comprehensive range of digital tower operational solutions, spanning consulting, system design, development, deployment, and long-term support. For more
information, visit www.adacel.com.