Market Intelligence: -Airline Hiring

Irish Pilot Training Organisation Atlantic Flight Training Academy Welcomes 8 New Airline Cadet Pilots in April 2024

Atlantic Flight Training Academy, founded in 1995 and Ireland’s largest – and one of Europe’s leading – Independent Flight Training Organisations, has shared that 8 new integrated class cadets from two airline partners: Ryanair and GlobeAir have started their training in April 2024.

Back in November 2022 GlobeAir announced a new Pilot Training Partnership with  Atlantic Flight Training Academy, to train cadets for their future careers as commercial pilots in 2023/2024. The candidates involved in the pilot training programme as part of the partnership between GlobeAir and AFTA will receive 18 months of extensive training in Cork and Waterford airports in Ireland. On successful completion of pilot training and a final GlobeAir assessment, cadets will have attained a standard where they are ready to join the GlobeAir Cessna Citation Citation Mustang type-rating programme.

In March 2024 Atlantic Flight Training Academy shared that in line with the increased demand for pilot training that it added another flight simulator – a new fixed based flight simulator, a Boeing 737-8200 Max, manufactured by MPS featuring full replica flight decks of both the Boeing 737-8200 Max and the 737-800 Next Generation (NG). Under the guidance of a highly experienced team of former and current airline pilots, AFTA’s APS MCC courses ensure that students receive top-tier training and expertise, setting the standard for excellence in the industry including cadets enrolled in the Ryanair Mentored Programme.

AFTA was established in 1995 and has seen a remarkable success rate with trainees. Over 2700 pilots who started their careers at AFTA are employed by leading airlines globally including Ryanair, a Boeing 737 MAX customer, who have a long-standing partnership with AFTA. The training contract with Ryanair is called the Ryanair mentored pilot programme and pilots are trained to Ryanair specific SOPs, procedures and standards before doing their type rating with the airline.

Source: Atlantic Flight Training Academy
Photo Credit: Atlantic Flight Training Academy

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Greek Flight School Egnatia Aviation Welcomes 20 Airlines Cadets in April 2024

Egnatia Aviation, one of Greece’s largest flight training organisations headquartered in Kavala, welcomed the latest group of 20 cadets from Aegean Airlines in April 2024.

Back in 2023 Egnatia Aviation is proud to announced the renewal and extension of their strong and successful collaboration with Aegean. For another 3 years, Egnatia Aviation will continue to provide the highest-quality of pilot training to their cadets that will fly with Aegean’s colors. Until the start of 2023, Egnatia’s fruitful collaboration has resulted in 53 enrolled students, out of which 44 have successfully graduated and are now part of the Aegean crew. Egnatia Aviation is fully in line with Aegean’s high standards, philosophy and culture in terms of training and safety.

All cadets are enroled in the all-in-one Airline Pilot Integrated Program and they get the most intensive and up-to-date training. After successful graduation, Senior Instructors of Aegean perform simulator sessions, as part of the new employee selection process. Eligible to apply for the scholarships are those of Greek and Cypriot nationality.

Source: Egnatia Aviation
Photo Credit: Egnatia Aviation

 

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International Aviation Recruitment Consultancy, Aerviva, Shares Insights on Pilot Training Opportunities

Dubai, United Arab Emirates headquartered aviation recruitment firm Aerviva has shared its thoughts on 3 opportunities in pilot training that could have a lasting impact.

Developments in financial support, inclusion and technologies mean pilot training is becoming more diversified and accessible than ever before. Combine this with high demand for pilots, both today and in the future, and the opportunities for trainee pilots are exciting, says Jainita Hogervorst. Jainita is the Director of Dubai-based Aviation Consultancy Aerviva, which provides aviation recruitment and document management. In this article she sheds light on 3 exciting opportunities in pilot training and the impact they could have.

A unique context for trainee pilots

“Finding pilots is a challenge for airlines at the moment,” says Jainita. “The mandatory retirement age of 65, a wave of early retirements and a training bottleneck during COVID, plus an increasing average pilot age, mean demand for pilots is high and is forecast to increase,” comments Jainita. According to Boeing’s latest Pilot and Technician Outlook, the industry will need an additional 649,000 new pilots in the next 20 years. The IATA puts the figure at 620,000 new pilots by 2037. “So, if you have been considering piloting as a career, there has never been a better time,” Jainita concludes.

Is a career as a pilot right for you?

“Before you sign up for flight school, it is important weigh up the pros and cons,” cautions Jainita. “If you want a 9-6, this is not a role for you. Plus, it comes with a lot of responsibility. On the positive side, you get a well-paid position with a wide range of opportunities.” First Officers in the US earn from $78,000 to $110,000 (for example, First Officers currently earn $93,605 at American Airlines and Delta). Pilots with 12 years’ experience are earning over $300,000 at airlines like Spirit and Alaska. “You will also get to see a lot of the world and piloting remains a high-status career,” continues Jainita. If this sounds appealing, Jainita believes it has never been a better time to train as a pilot thanks to 3 factors: more financial support, increased diversity, and advanced technology.

Pilot training opportunity 1: financial support and affordability

“The cost of pilot training holds back many prospective pilots,” Jainita points out. “On average, you are going to be paying around $110,000 for your pilot training. What is exciting is that today there are more options for financing your pilot training. These range from airlines covering some of your costs, to loans and scholarships from flight schools.”

There are multiple airlines who offer financial support. British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy offers total funding for selected students who then go on to work for the airline. In the US, the likes of Commute Air / United Express ($20,000), Horizon Air ($12,500), PSA Airlines ($15,000), and SkyWest ($17,500) all provide financial reimbursements for training costs. Other airlines look to remove risk for students, such as Lufthansa, which will reimburse 50% your training fees if you do not get a job in a Lufthansa Group airline within 24 months of graduating. Flight schools also offer a range of financial options. These include loans to cover most of the fees after an initial down payment, (as offered at Lufthansa’s European Flight Academy ) or options to split training into modules so the upfront costs are lower (provided in the UK at L3Harris Flight Academy) . L3Harris also offers selected scholarships.

Pilot training opportunity 2: diversity and inclusion

“Increasing diversity and inclusion in pilot training is another way the industry is tapping into new talent pools,” says Jainita. “Key first steps for flight schools are to pay attention to unconscious biases, provide role models and mentors for students from underrepresented groups, and think carefully about different learning styles,” argues Jainita.

“Then financial assistance is vital, and many airlines and associations are taking positive steps in this area.” Initiatives like JetBlue’s Fly Like a Girl , the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals’ ACE Academy and the Urban Youth Flight Foundation are introducing young people from diverse backgrounds to piloting as a potential profession.

“Then when it comes to flight training itself, airlines and flight schools are improving access,” Jainita points out. The United Aviate Academy by United Airlines is a leading example. In partnership with JPMorgan Chase, the airline is offering $2.4 million in scholarships via associations like Women in Aviation International, the Latino Pilots Association, the National Gay Pilots Association, and many others. It aims to train 5,000 new pilots through the school, with at least 50% of them women. DELTA’s Propel Collegiate Pilot Career Path Program is another positive example, while Alaska Airlines has partnered with association Sisters of the Skies.

Pilot training opportunity 3: advanced technology

“Remote training can improve inclusion too,” Jainita comments. “Relocation, rent and living costs are a significant financial burden for students, so even a few weeks of remote training can make a big difference.” This is precisely what the Native American Aviation Association is offering to Native American students in partnership with online flight schools.

“Technologies like VR and AI can accelerate and optimize the learning process, which again means lower total expenditure for students,” comments Jainita. For example, Embry-Riddle Aeronautics University uses a customized VR platform for students to practice tasks like preflight inspections, maneuvers, and radio communications. Students who have used this VR platform are progressing more quickly through their in-plane training. And IBM’s FlightSmart tool uses AI to monitor over 4,000 variables in flight simulators and then analyze the data to provide precise, actionable feedback. “Combining VR with AI has exciting potential. It can provide immersive training, while monitoring trainees’ and providing detailed feedback,” comments Jainita. “Overall, these technologies can save students time and money.”

No time like the present

“In light of these 3 opportunities, my tip to students is to have high expectations and really search around for the best pilot training packages,” concludes Jainita. “Whether it is new technologies, new inclusion initiatives or improved financial aid, airlines, flight schools and governments are all invested in increasing the number of pilots available. At Aerviva, we are continuously working on collaboration opportunities with training providers around the world who offer high-quality and affordable training. We are committed to being part of the solution, and to finding the right options for our students.”

Source: Aerviva

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One of the Largest Low Cost Carrier’s Launches New Pilot Training Program with European Pilot Training Organisation

Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, launched its new Future Flyer Academy pilot training programme in partnership with Irish-based and world-renowned international flight school, Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA), which will see over 400 aspiring pilots join the airline group as Second Officers over the next 4 years.

Ryanair’s Future Flyer Academy offers aspiring pilots the opportunity to kickstart their aviation career as a commercial airline through a world-class combination of classroom, simulator, and practical training with a defined path to employment as a Second Officer with Europe’s largest airline group – Ryanair – as the airline continues to grow to carry over 300m passengers p.a. on a fleet of 800 aircraft by 2034.

For several years, AFTA has been training aspiring pilots to a standard where they can complete their Type Rating course to operate Ryanair’s Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 aircraft. Through Ryanair’s new Future Flyer Academy programme, this initial training is combined with the Type Rating qualification to fast-track pilot training progression. Not only that, but Ryanair also guarantees candidates a job* as a commercial pilot with the airline upon completion of the programme, with industry leading benefits such as;

  • Outstanding earnings potential
  • Access to Ryanair’s Route-to-Command programme – fastest route to Captain (within 4 years)
  • Industry-leading rosters – fixed 5 days on, 4 days off
  • Great basing opportunities given Ryanair’s 95 base network
  • Opportunity to fly on one of Europe’s youngest, most efficient fleets – average 65g CO2 per pax/km in Mar

Applications for Ryanair’s Future Flyer Academy with AFTA are open now.

Ryanair’s Chief Operations Officer, Neal McMahon, said:

“We are delighted to launch the Future Flyer Academy in partnership with Atlantic Flight Training Academy here in Ireland. By combining Ryanair’s industry-leading expertise with AFTA’s world-class training programmes, our Future Flyer Academy will create unparalleled opportunities for 100’s of aspiring pilots who are looking to kickstart a well-paid career in aviation as a commercial pilot. Ryanair new Future Flyer Academy training programme shows our continued commitment to supporting, developing, and recruiting aspiring pilots for future positions as we take delivery of over 300 Boeing 737 MAX-10 aircraft over the next 10 years. Ryanair looks forward to growing the careers of many more AFTA pilot trainees through our new Future Flyer Academy over the years to come.”

Managing Director at AFTA, Mark Casey said:

“We are delighted to announce the partnership with Ryanair on the Future Flyer Academy. AFTA will celebrate 30 years in business next March 2025 and has a long-standing relationship with Ryanair. A very large number of our graduates currently fly as First officers, Captains, Training Captains and management pilots within the airline. The new Future Flyer Academy will give successful applicants a clear path towards a long and rewarding career as a Ryanair pilot. Ryanair’s training department is recognised as the best in the industry and the partnership validates the quality of our training programmes and AFTAs role in shaping the future Captains of the skies. We look forward to welcoming future Ryanair Captains through our doors in AFTA.”

*Conditional job offer based on completion of full training and relevant checks.

Source: AFTA
Photo Credit: AFTA

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