Reinforcing its commitment to producing globally competent aviation and tourism professionals, the Department of Travel, Tourism, Airline & Aviation Management at COTHM Pakistan held a productive meeting with Mr. Wajid Saleem, District Sales Manager (DSM), Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), to explore strategic avenues for strengthening industry-academia collaboration.
The meeting took place at the PIA facility, where Mr. Jahanzeb Zafar, Manager of the Department of Travel, Tourism, Airline & Aviation Management, discussed initiatives aimed at enhancing practical learning and creating career-focused opportunities for COTHM students.
The discussions focused on developing a long-term partnership that would provide students with meaningful industry exposure through internships, professional training, guest lectures, workshops, mentorship programs, and career development initiatives. Both sides emphasized the importance of equipping students with practical knowledge and real-world experience to meet the evolving demands of the global aviation and travel industry.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Jahanzeb Zafar highlighted that collaboration between academia and industry is essential for preparing graduates who are ready to excel in a highly competitive international marketplace.
Mr. Wajid Saleem welcomed the initiative and appreciated COTHM’s commitment to developing industry-ready professionals. He emphasized that closer cooperation between educational institutions and leading organizations such as PIA can help bridge the gap between theoretical education and professional practice while opening new pathways for young talent entering the aviation sector.
The proposed collaboration is expected to benefit students enrolled in Travel, Tourism, Airline & Aviation Management by providing valuable insights into airline operations, customer service, aviation marketing, airport management, and emerging industry trends.
COTHM continues to expand its network of strategic industry partnerships, ensuring that students receive an education that combines academic excellence with practical experience. Through collaborations with leading organizations, the institution remains committed to developing skilled, confident, and globally competitive professionals who are prepared to contribute to the future of Pakistan’s travel, tourism, and aviation industries.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to launching impactful initiatives that will strengthen industry engagement, enhance student employability, and contribute to the sustainable growth of Pakistan’s aviation and tourism sectors.
