Airbus and Tribhuvan University on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on academic development, research, training and industry exposure in the aerospace sector.

The agreement was signed in Kathmandu by Jürgen Westermeier, president and managing director of Airbus South Asia, and Sushil Bahadur Bajracharya, acting vice-chancellor of Tribhuvan University, in the presence of Minister of Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel and French Ambassador to Nepal Virginie Corteval.

According to the agreement, Airbus and the university will work together in research, teaching and training related to aerospace and aviation. The partnership will also support curriculum development in aerospace, aviation and digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced analytics and cybersecurity.

Airbus said the collaboration aims to support capacity building in Nepal through training and skill development, particularly in aerospace engineering and digital technology.

“A core element of a strong aerospace ecosystem is talent development,” Westermeier said at the signing ceremony. He said Airbus would bring its global expertise to support Nepal’s aviation sector through training and ecosystem development.

Bajracharya said the partnership comes at a time when Nepal’s aviation sector is at a turning point. He said collaboration with Airbus would help strengthen and develop the university’s curriculum and enhance the country’s aviation capabilities.

Under the MoU, the two sides will also explore internship and placement opportunities for students, partnerships with international institutes for aerospace-related projects, and joint events including symposiums, technical festivals, conferences and workshops.