- Tunisia was also selected to host the program’s regional camp and graduation in 2027, bringing together winning teams from across the region
- The program helps high school students explore aerospace careers, build hands-on skills and meet with industry professionals
(L_R) Wael Zaoud, Managing Director, Boeing MENA; Annie Stetler, Country Director, Amideast Tunisia.
TUNIS, Tunisia, Oct. 23, 2026 — Amideast and Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced the expansion of AeroSTAR to Tunisia for the program’s second edition. AeroSTAR helps students aged 15 to 18 explore aerospace careers, develop practical skills and connect with industry mentors and employers. Tunis will also host the regional AeroSTAR Camp and graduation, bringing together students from Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Tunisia and the UAE in summer 2027.
The announcement was made during a signing ceremony in Tunis attended by U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Bill Bazzi; Tunisian Minister of Transport Rachid Amri; senior officials from Tunisia’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Transport and Tunisair; as well as Boeing Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa Wael Zaoud; and Amideast Tunisia Country Director Annie Stetler.
Ambassador Bazzi remarked, “This program will prepare today's students for tomorrow's skies by providing young Tunisians, along with their peers from around the region, the opportunity to connect directly with industry professionals and experience the world of aviation firsthand.”
H.E Rachid Amri, welcomed the growing momentum in Tunisian-American cooperation, particularly in civil aviation, which has been further strengthened by the launch of the AeroSTAR program in Tunisia, reflecting confidence in the excellence and capabilities of Tunisian talent.
Through interactive workshops, field visits, mentorship and team-based projects, AeroSTAR introduces high school students across the Middle East and North Africa to aviation and aerospace careers. After completing the 60-hour AeroSTAR Academy and a capstone project, teams pitch their work to industry professionals in a national challenge. Winners advance to the regional AeroSTAR Camp, where the program concludes with a celebration and graduation.
“We are proud to welcome Tunisia to AeroSTAR and to bring the program’s regional camp and graduation to Tunis in 2027,” said Wael Zaoud, Boeing managing director for the Middle East and North Africa. “Tunisia’s participation in AeroSTAR is vital to preparing the next generation of aviation professionals and building the skilled workforce to support the growth of air traffic in Tunisia and beyond. The program will show students that there are many exciting careers in our industry beyond being a pilot or cabin crew member.”
Annie Stetler, country director of Amideast Tunisia, commented, “We are delighted to bring AeroSTAR to Tunisia and to welcome students from across the region to Tunis for the 2027 regional camp and graduation. By connecting young people with industry professionals, hands-on learning experiences and a broader understanding of careers in aviation and aerospace, AeroSTAR helps them see new possibilities for their futures. Through our partnership with Boeing, Amideast is proud to help young people build the skills, confidence and connections to explore these opportunities and prepare for the careers of tomorrow.”
The inaugural cohort of the AeroSTAR program ran from February to October 2026, with 216 graduates from Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco and the UAE. More than 90% of participants reported a stronger interest in aviation and space careers because of the program.
What’s next
Recruitment for the second cohort of AeroSTAR begins in October 2026. Students in participating countries can apply via their local Amideast website. To apply for the program in Tunisia please visit:
https://www.amideast.org/our-work/develop-a-skill/aerostar-program
In its second year, the program will reach more than 250 students in Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Tunisia and the UAE, providing exposure to aerospace careers and the practical skills to embark on this journey.
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About Amideast
Amideast is a leading U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding opportunity through education, training, and cultural exchange. For more than 75 years, Amideast has worked across the Middle East and North Africa to help individuals develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in education and the workplace. Through its network of country offices and partnerships with governments, businesses, educational institutions and other organizations, Amideast delivers English language and professional skills training, testing services, academic and study abroad programs, and initiatives that connect young people with education and career opportunities.
Learn more: https://www.amideast.org/
About Boeing
A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing’s presence in the MENA region spans over eight decades, dating back to 1945. Boeing has offices across the region, including in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh, to support its partners and customers. Beyond commercial operations, Boeing is deeply committed to investing in the region’s future. Over the past five years, Boeing has invested $16 million in community initiatives, positively impacting the lives of 360,000 young people across the Middle East and North Africa. Learn more: https://www.boeing-me.com
(L-R) Riadh Dridi, Director General for the Americas, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tunisia; Honorable Bill Bazzi, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia; Wael Zaoud, Managing Director, Boeing MENA; H.E. Rachid Amri, Minister of Transport of Tunisia; Halima Khouaja, CEO Tunisair; Annie Stetler, Country Director, Amideast Tunisia