MONTREAL — The International Air Transport Association has announced plans for a three-year schedule of aviation security training that will be offered at a new facility in Sherbrooke, Que.

IATA has reached an agreement with Centre en surete Alerte, which will offer the courses at a centre of expertise at the local airport.

The centre, named Airpole, will provide specialized training for first responders, law-enforcement officials as well as airport managers and staff.

The courses are set to begin in 2016 and will be delivered in English and French.

They will focus on areas that include aviation cybersecurity, air cargo security and passenger screening.

Details are expected to appear soon on the IATA and Airpole websites.

Airpole will join a list of regional training centres that help deliver training to more than 100,000 students and aviation professionals worldwide.

IATA represents some 260 airlines that make up more than 80 per cent of global air traffic.