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airBaltic Pilot Academy Celebrates 8 Graduates and Welcomes 17 New Students
On November 6, eight students graduated from the Pilot Academy, receiving a commercial pilot license upon completion of the full-time airline transport pilot program. Additionally, the 24th group of 17 students has already begun their professional pilot studies.
Martin Gauss, CEO and President of airBaltic, said: “It’s a pleasure to recognize and congratulate the latest graduates of the Pilot Academy. Many of them will soon begin further training, getting ready to join the airBaltic team. Having skilled and well-prepared professionals is essential to the success of any airline.”
Gauss added, “We also warmly welcome the dedicated students of the 24th group, who start their journey with us today. As airBaltic grows and moves towards its goal of operating 100 aircraft in the coming years, these committed individuals will be vital to reaching our future ambitions.”
The graduates represent countries such as Austria, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland, while the new group includes students from Finland, France, Germany, Italy, and Latvia.
There are 138 active students at the airBaltic Pilot Academy at the moment. Most of them are from the Baltic countries, however, there are students also from other EU countries such as Denmark, Germany, France, Finland, Spain and Italy among others. Overall, more than 10% of airBaltic Pilot Academy students are female. As for now, 124 students, after graduating, have joined airBaltic.
Students of the airBaltic Pilot Academy have to cover the costs of ATPL theory studies and 45 flight hours, costing EUR 15 000. After passing airBaltic pilot assessment and becoming an employee of the company, the airline will provide financing (loan) for the rest of the studies.
Additionally, airBaltic is set to expand its training capabilities with the arrival of a second Airbus A220 full flight simulator later this year. Scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2024, the new simulator will significantly enhance the airline's ability to train and maintain the qualifications of its growing number of pilots, supporting both the airline's fleet expansion and the continued development of its Pilot Academy.
More information about the Pilot Academy: www.pilotacademy.com.