Cirrus Aviation Announces New Pilot Hiring Pathway Partnership with Avelo Airlines in 2026

Florida, USA – Cirrus Aviation, an FAA Part 141 flight training organisation with self-examining authority based at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, has announced a new partnership with Avelo Airlines to establish a pilot hiring pathway for its students and flight instructors. The collaboration follows a visit by Avelo's Head of Flight Operations to the academy's Sarasota training facilities.

• Cirrus Aviation's existing Career Pilot Program offers training pathways ranging from 5 to 18 months, covering Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Instrument Rating (IR), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Multi-Engine Rating (MEL) and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) qualifications. The new airline partnership will provide eligible students and instructors with opportunities to pursue employment with Avelo as they progress through their professional flying careers.
• During the visit, Avelo's Head of Flight Operations toured the academy's flight training facilities, aircraft fleet and maintenance operations. Discussions addressed training standards, aircraft maintenance, operational procedures and the preparation of pilots transitioning into commercial airline operations.
• AFM previously reported that Cirrus Aviation placed a firm order for 10 Elixir training aircraft in January 2026, supporting the renewal of its Sarasota-based flight training fleet.
• The academy's training fleet includes Elixir aircraft, Cessna 172 Skyhawks, Pipistrel Alpha Trainers, Piper PA-28 Warriors and Diamond DA42 multi-engine aircraft. Its flight simulation facilities include ALSIM AL250 and AL172 training devices, supporting procedural and instrument training.

About Cirrus Aviation
Cirrus Aviation is a US flight training organisation founded in 1994 and headquartered at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, Florida, providing FAA Part 141 and Part 61 pilot training. The academy offers recreational and professional pilot qualifications, aircraft maintenance services, FAA knowledge testing and university-linked aviation degree pathways.

About Avelo Airlines
Avelo Airlines is a US passenger airline headquartered in Houston, Texas, which commenced scheduled operations in April 2021. As of its April 2026 fleet disclosure, the airline operated 15 Boeing 737 aircraft, comprising 14 Boeing 737-800s and one Boeing 737-700, with two additional aircraft deliveries planned before the end of 2026.

Source: Cirrus Aviation