Market Intelligence: -Simulator Training Center

Funded Avia Solutions Group Abinitio Pilot Training Program Pilot Runway Adds New Partner – SmartLynx Airlines

SmartLynx Airlines, a leading EU-based ACMI, charter, and cargo operator, has joined Avion Express and Air Explore in the Pilot Runway project.

Recently launched by BAA Training and backed by its parent company, Avia Solutions Group—the world’s largest ACMI provider—the innovative pilot training program offers a financial solution and a job guarantee at the group’s airlines upon successfully completing the training.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that half a million pilots will need to be recruited globally over the next two decades. In Europe, 5,000 to 6,000 new pilots will be needed annually. In response to this demand, the Pilot Runway program aims to train up to 200 new pilots yearly through its Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) program.

Norbertas Akromas, Managing Director for Pilot Runway, stated how Pilot Runway is adding to preparing airline-ready pilots for the ongoing demand.

 “MPL pilots are taken under the wing of a specific airline right from the beginning, creating a dedicated talent pipeline for the airline while also offering pilots long-term job security—truly a win-win. Another key distinction of Pilot Runway is that the training costs, which can be steep for some, are no longer a barrier. Prospective students receive financing from one of the airline partners for their training, and SmartLynx Airlines is one of them now, which we’re very happy to have on board the program.”

“We operate one of the largest and most diverse fleets in the global ACMI industry, which requires a dedicated and skilled crew to meet our clients’ needs worldwide,” said Edvinas Demenius, CEO of SmartLynx Airlines. “Above all, we are committed not only to attracting new pilots but also to supporting their growth within our organization. Through upgrade opportunities, expanded roles, and focused retention efforts, we ensure our team can develop professionally and take on new responsibilities as we grow together.”

The new partnership is further expanding Pilot Runway’s reach and impact, offering more opportunities for aspiring pilots to start their careers in aviation and lending a helping hand in solving the ongoing pilot demand issue.

Source: BAA Training
Photo Credit: BAA Training

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European Airline Owned Training Academy to Receive New Full Flight Simulator at the End of 2024

Riga, Latvia – In November 2024, 8 students graduated from the Pilot Academy of the Latvian national airline airBaltic, 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.

About airBaltic
airBaltic (Air Baltic Corporation AS) is the leading airline in the Baltics and one of Europe’s fastest-growing carriers. As a hybrid airline, it leverages the upsides of both traditional network and low-cost carriers. Through a network of more than 130 routes from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, Tampere and, seasonally, Gran Canaria, airBaltic connects the Baltics with over 80 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus. Founded in 1995, today airBaltic operates one of Europe’s youngest fleets, consisting of 49 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, and employs over 2 700 professionals. The company is majority-owned by the Latvian state, which holds a 97.97% stake, with the remaining 2.03% owned by private shareholders.

airBaltic’s commitment to excellence is recognized by numerous prestigious awards including the Best Airline in its region by Skytrax for three consecutive years. In 2022, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recognized airBaltic with the Diversity and Inclusion Team Award. Furthermore, in 2023, APEX awarded the company the Passenger Choice Award for Best Cabin Service in Europe, and in 2024 airBaltic also received the APEX Four Star Major Airline Award, recognizing its commitment to providing a high-quality travel experience. In 2024, the airline was awarded the PROS AI Innovator Award for leveraging AI to drive transformative outcomes and optimize operations.

Source: airBaltic
Photo Credit: airBaltic

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