74th Anniversary of the Albanian Air Force, Vengu: It's Time to rebuild the Air Force and re-establishment of the Aviation School

Published: Thursday, 24 April 2025 17:11

On the 74th anniversary of the Albanian Military Aviation, Defense Minister Pirro Vengu stated the government's concrete goals and actions to re-establish the Aviation School.

The ceremony of the 74th anniversary of the Air Force, took place in the new Black Hawk helicopter hangar at Farka Air Base. It was attended by Deputy Chief of General Staff of the AAF Brigadier General Altin Kurti, Commander of the Air Force, Major General Ferdinant Dimo, senior commanders of the AAf, representatives of the of Aviation Veterans’ Association, relatives of pilots and technicians, etc.

Minister Vengu, in his speech at this ceremony, paid attention to the training of military men and women, their treatment, but also to investments in means of armaments and equipment for the Air Force: "The objectives first of all begin with human capital and education. Several steps were taken at the government meeting in this direction and in a few days, I will have the pleasure of inviting you again to an activity that will seal the re-establishment of the Aviation School.

The second element has to do with modernization and investments in appliances, equipment, systems and we will follow the program of Air Force Modernization. We must definitely return to fixed-wing aircraft and airplanes and we will definitely need to increase the number of pilots involved, because they will conduct dual missions, civil emergency missions and monitoring and surveillance missions.

While we will continue to work on all the very important components of air defense, which have been neglected for years, but within the framework of the Alliance's objectives and national needs, we must return to this very important element.

Along with human capital and modernization, we will undoubtedly continue all the efforts that this government has undertaken in terms of financial treatment, working conditions and benefits that the status of military personnel also provides for the families of military persons. A huge effort has been made. Over these years, there has been a significant increase in the financial treatment of pilots and technicians. We will continue this increase; it is a commitment of Prime Minister Edi Rama in order to reach the average of NATO countries, which has not yet been achieved despite the fact that today we are in the lead in our region." - he said.

The Commander of the Air Force, Major General Ferdinant Dimo, underlined that the new helicopter hangar is an example of investments in infrastructure.

The Head of the Association of Aviation Veterans, Retired Brigadier General Astrit Jaupaj, brought to attention the process of modernization of the Air Force and thanked Minister Vengu for the approach he has demonstrated during these months towards former military personnel.

The first flight with an Albanian state aircraft was carried out on April 24, 1951, when pilot Peço Polena carried out the first flight, thus becoming a pioneer of a journey of pride, dedication and contribution of our Air Force.