TRINIDAD and Tobago is the first Caribbean country to receive a donated plane for aviation training from the Federal Express Corporation (FEDEX); one of only six countries, including Canada, China, El Salvador, France and the United States.  
At a ‘Donation Ceremony’,yesterday, hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority at the AATT Executive Jet Centre, Piarco International Airport, some three hundred persons were on hand to witness the arrival of the donated Boeing 727 aircraft. Among them were Senator Vasant Bharath, Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment and Minister within the Ministry of Finance and the Economy; and Senator Emmanuel George, Minister of National Security.
According to media reports out of T&T, there is no doubt that the role of civil aviation is an important one to society as it has brought many benefits and is important for the global economy since it facilitates economic growth and cultural exchange and is a significant source of employment. 
“There is a story being told around us,” said Trade Minister Bharath, as “in today’s ever-changing and innovative world, aviation provides a vital link to economic opportunities. It connects people. Runways have now become the new main streets for cities and towns to get down to business and soar once more.” 
He also underscored the potential of this industry, pointing out that “in the United States alone, civil aviation supports over 10 million jobs, contributed US$1.5 trillion in total economic activity and accounted for 5.2 percent of total US GDP.”