airBaltic Pilot Academy celebrates 17 graduates

On May 2026, 17 students graduated from the Pilot Academy, receiving a commercial pilot license upon completion of the full-time Airline Transport Pilot program.

Jānis Krištops, Interim Senior Vice President Flight Operations at airBaltic: “We are proud to congratulate the latest graduates of the Pilot Academy. Their achievement is the result of hard work, perseverance, and a clear ambition to grow in aviation. As they move forward to the next stage of their professional development, many are also taking important steps toward a future career with airBaltic. Strong airlines are built by capable people, and we will continue investing in the skills and talent that aviation needs for the years ahead.”The graduates represent several countries, such as Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, and Latvia.

There are currently 151 active students at the airBaltic Pilot Academy. Most of them are from the Baltic countries, while other come from various other EU countries, including Denmark, Germany, France, Finland, Spain and Italy, among others. Overall, women account for more than 10% of airBaltic Pilot Academy students.

Over the years, 183 graduates of the airBaltic Pilot Academy have joined the airline, with most now flying as First Officers and several also serving as training instructors. A number of alumni have also successfully completed their Captain upgrade, becoming among the first Pilot Academy graduates to serve as Captains at airBaltic. This achievement highlights the strength of the programme and the clear career path it offers – from cadet to Captain.

The academy offers a unique cadet sponsorship programme, under which airBaltic provides financing in the form of a loan for the remaining studies after a student has successfully passed the airline’s pilot assessment and become an employee of the company.

More information about the Pilot Academy: www.pilotacademy.com