The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Balamand (UOB) received a Cessna 414 aircraft from the Lebanese Air Force (LAF) on Friday, December 18, 2020. This comes as part of a long history of close collaboration between the University of Balamand and the Lebanese Airforce, especially in training, research, and academic instruction in Aeronautical Engineering.
The Cessna 414 is a small, lightweight aircraft that will be an added value to aeronautical engineering laboratories affording our students the opportunity to have further hands-on experience with aircraft mechanics, avionics, and aircraft maintenance. This contributes to the practical student experience that the faculty emphasizes as an integral aspect of engineering education at UOB.

The Faculty of Engineering is working closely with the Lebanese Air Force, particularly to sustain, build and advance on the history of mutual collaboration that dates back to 2012 and is now exclusive with the University of Balamand.

Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Prof. Rami Abboud was at the scene to receive the aircraft at the Aeronautical Engineering Laboratories with Department Chair Dr. Haissam Haidar, Admiral Nazih Baroudi and UOB engineers and technicians. Prof. Abboud declared that this is an important step in our continuous efforts to develop labs and create more opportunities for our students for hands-on experience. He also thanked the LAF leader General Ziad Haikal and Colonel Pilot Roland Merheb, for their commitment to the University of Balamand through a solid and strategic exclusive partnership that has been truly fruitful for both entities. Prof. Abboud also took a moment to thank Mr. Houmani and Mr. El-Gharib for generously providing logistics and transportation for the aircraft from the Beirut Rafic Harriri International Airport to the University of Balamand Koura campus. ​