The alumni of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida have concluded plans for the first-ever networking gathering of its Nigeria chapter, with the aim of strengthening their footprint in the West African region.

Flybird Aircraft Management Services announced that it will be sponsoring the networking gathering over dinner in Abuja on the sidelines of the International Airshow.

The event, which is slated for 5 December, was made known in a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Flybird, Ahmed Borodo, and made available to The PUNCH on Monday.

Borodo said the event will also be used to celebrate the 100th year of the globally recognised aviation and aerospace university based in Daytona Beach, Florida.

According to Borodo, the event promises to unite alumni of the institution, industry leaders, and aviation professionals while expanding its footprint within West Africa’s growing aviation sector.

The Flybird boss also underscored the importance of supporting initiatives that promote aviation development across the region.

He said, “Flybird is proud to celebrate Embry-Riddle’s remarkable 100-year journey. As an organisation deeply rooted in aviation excellence, we recognise the value of strong professional networks and world-class training.

“Supporting this inaugural alumni event reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge, collaboration, and capacity-building within the sector. As an Embry-Riddle graduate, I am a product of one of the finest aviation education systems in the world. The training, discipline, and global exposure provided by ERAU continue to shape the highest standards we uphold at Flybird.”

Borodo congratulated Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on its centennial milestone and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that empower aviation talent across Nigeria and the wider West African region.