From cadet to captain: Kaspars Kasakovskis’ journey

Kaspars Kasakovskis, who joined the very first class of cadets at the Pilot Academy in 2018, has now completed his captain upgrade and taken command of an airBaltic aircraft. His achievement embodies both the success of the academy and the opportunities it offers for aspiring pilots.

‘Kasakovskis’ achievement is an outstanding milestone not only for him personally, but also for airBaltic and our Pilot Academy as a whole,’ says Pauls Cālītis, Interim CEO of airBaltic. ‘It demonstrates the strength of the training and the clear career path we have built, from cadet to captain.’

For Kasakovskis, the path began even earlier. Before enrolling at the academy, he had started private pilot license studies at another flight school, but as an airBaltic employee (he was a member of the cabin crew), his dream was to one day fly for the airline. ‘Transitioning to the Pilot Academy was a logical step,’ he recalls.

He remembers the intensity of those years: ‘There were endlessly long days, studying ATPL theory from early morning to late evening. Practical training in Liepāja was a highlight, especially with the opportunity to enjoy the city after flights in the summer.’ Later, working as an instructor helped him grow further. ‘Teaching lets you notice the mistakes students most often make. That helps you stay prepared and avoid the same errors yourself.’

Kasakovskis admits that taking the left-hand seat for the first time felt unusual, ‘a bit like driving a car with the steering wheel on the opposite side’. Yet the biggest change was the level of responsibility: ‘Now I’m accountable not only for my own actions but also for the duties of the entire crew.’

For Kasakovskis, the real significance lies beyond personal recognition. ‘The important thing is not that I’ve become the first captain from the Pilot Academy, but that this proves the quality of the training,’ he says. ‘My fellow classmates will soon follow.’

Today, the Pilot Academy has over 170 active students from across Europe, more than 10% of them female. 138 graduates have already joined airBaltic, most as first officers, with several also instructing. With new classes graduating and two Airbus A220-300 full-flight simulators enhancing training, the academy continues to provide modern education and a clear path to the cockpit – a journey now embodied by captain Kaspars Kasakovskis.