New 2025 Financing Proposal Report Aims to Expand Pilot-Training Capacity in Ireland

Ireland – Irish lenders are exploring the creation of a dedicated pilot-training loan fund aimed at increasing the country’s annual pilot-training capacity to support Irish and European airlines facing sustained crew shortages. The initiative follows recommendations in the Pathfinder for Irish Aviation report, which sets out measures to scale Ireland’s aviation training and MRO capabilities.

• The report calculated that a €40 million low-interest loan fund could increase Ireland’s annual pilot output from 100 pilots to 400 pilots, addressing a chronic shortage across Europe, where demand is estimated at 5,000 new pilots per year for the next decade.

• Several credit unions have expressed interest in managing the fund, while discussions continue with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to support the financing structure.

• Progress on the initiative will be outlined by Prof Joe Gill, adjunct professor at Cork University Business School and co-author of the report, during the upcoming Kinsale Aviation Festival, where industry leaders including Conor McCarthy (Emerald Airlines, Dublin Aerospace) and Yvonne Moynihan (Wizz Air UK) will speak.

Source: Local Media Reports