easyJet reopens applications for 2024 Pilot Training Programme

The budget carrier easyJet has opened its renowned Generation easyJet Pilot Training programme, which takes aspiring pilots with little or no experience to the cockpit of an Airbus A320 commercial airliner in around two years as qualified co-pilot. Over 1000 new pilots are set to join easyJet by 2028 as part of a five year recruitment drive, with around 200 places now available this year. 

With still only around 6% of pilots worldwide being women, easyJet has been focused on tackling this industry-wide challenge for a number of years through initiatives including recruitment campaigns, its pilot school visits programme and Summer Flight School. 

As a result, 7.5% of easyJet’s pilots in the UK are women compared to the UK industry average of 6.5%, with around 300 women including 99 Captains now flying for the airline, which has continued to work on tackling stereotypes and misconceptions around the job and encouraging more women to apply. 

The Generation easyJet Pilot Training Programme is now open for aspiring pilots to apply at Generation easyJet Pilot Training Programme | CAE

Earlier this month the airline launched an online test which assesses some of the key skills required to become an airline pilot, after research revealed that half of Brits (50%) don’t know what qualifications are needed to become an airline pilot and learn to fly a commercial jet. 

To apply to easyJet’s Pilot Training Programme, aspiring pilots need to be aged 18 or over by the time they begin training and have a minimum of 5 General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) of Grade C or above (or equivalent), including Mathematics, Science and English language – no higher qualifications or degrees are required. 

Brussels Airlines and Skywings Flight Training start new training for cadet pilots

Future pilots can be recruited by Brussels Airlines even before their pilot training starts.

                        Brussels Airlines launches a new partnership with Skywings, a flight training academy based in Antwerp. The program allows cadet pilots to be recruited by the airline even before they have started their training. Skywings will train these future pilots according to the high standards of Brussels Airlines and familiarize them to the airlines’ procedures.

Brussels Airlines has entered an exciting new era with growth and opportunities. New aircraft are joining the fleet and new destinations are being added to the network. To foster this growth, Brussels Airlines is hiring new recruits across the board. ​

To accelerate the onboarding process of first officers, Brussels Airlines launches a partnership with Skywings Flight Training in Antwerp. In close cooperation, a “Multi Pilot Licence-program” is created. This means candidates are being recruited together with the airline even before training starts. During the training, cadets immediately start the process for a Multi Pilot Licence (MPL), allowing them to fly planes with more than one pilot, which is the case of all aircraft Brussels Airlines operates. The candidates will also be trained on simulators and be familiarized with the procedures of the Belgium’s national airline.

Once the training is completed, these pilots can join Brussels Airlines as first officer on the A319 and A320 fleet, hereby making a lengthy selection process or an Ab Initio training within the airline redundant.

British Airways 'Speedbird Pilot Academy cadet programme opens for new applications

The airline is opening the application window for the second year of its fully funded Speedbird Pilot Academy cadet scheme on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. This follows an unprecedented response to its first-year intake which saw more than 20,000 applications for just 100 places.

The Speedbird Pilot Academy initiative, part of the airline’s £7 billion investment across the business, is aimed at levelling the playing field and making a career as a commercial airline pilot a realistic option for all, by removing the previously prohibitive cost barrier of individuals having to pay for their training themselves.

British Airways’ Director of Flight Operations Simon Cheadle, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be able to open the door to a flying career to more people through this programme.

Hundreds of local students experience their first taste of the aviation industry showing the sky’s the limit

The innovative aircraft supply and support organisation, Affinity Flying Training Services (Affinity) has teamed up for another year with the Air and Space Institute (ASI) to deliver a series of workshops for young, aspiring aviation enthusiasts. The sessions were tailored to give students support and direction, offering opportunities for young people with interests in aeronautics to speak with experts in the aviation industry and learn about exciting career pathways. 

Affinity, most known for being a trusted provider of aircraft supply and maintenance services for the first stages of the UK Military Flying Training System, has played a vital role to date in encouraging young people to pursue careers in aviation. Operating across the UK from RAF Barkston Heath, RAF Cranwell and RAF Valley, the company makes significant contributions to the UK’s military aviation sector. 

Affinity and ASI launched the series of workshops at the start of the year for students who are currently studying on their L3 pilot and aviation operations and L3 aircraft engineering programmes. The sessions provided invaluable insight for the students, who were able to meet with representatives from Affinity who shared their knowledge and experiences. The workshops experienced high levels of engagement from both the students and industry experts, offering the opportunity for Affinity to contribute to helping develop the next generation of aviation experts. 

TRU Simulation celebrates 10 years of innovation in flight simulation

TRU Simulation + Training has revealed that as it marks a decade of success in the aviation simulation industry, the company is rebranding to simply “TRU Simulation.” The new brand and logo reflect TRU’s shift away from providing pilot training experiences to a more targeted focus on designing, manufacturing and maintaining state-of-the-art, high-fidelity flight simulators to address the vital need for accurate and true-to-life pilot training tools.

TRU Simulation Inc., an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., is a Textron Inc. a company that designs, manufactures and delivers high-fidelity training devices and full-motion simulators for civil and defence customers.

“We are thrilled to celebrate TRU Simulation’s 10th anniversary, a significant milestone that showcases our commitment to excellence in advanced aviation simulation. We owe our success to our loyal customers and dedicated employees who have been instrumental in shaping our journey. Their trust and support have allowed us to deliver cutting-edge training tools that empower pilots to navigate the skies confidently,” said Jerry Messaris, vice president and general manager, TRU Simulation. “As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide safe, realistic and cost-effective simulators that meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry.”

Originally formed out of three legacy aviation companies, TRU Simulation has evolved since its founding in 2014 to address unique simulator needs for a wide range of customers. TRU prides itself on customizing simulator devices to meet specific customer needs while meeting or exceeding all regulatory requirements.

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Airbus Flight Academy Europe upgrades training fleet with more sustainable aircraft

Airbus Flight Academy Europe, a 100% subsidiary of Airbus providing civil and military pilot training, has received its first batch of more fuel-efficient, quieter Elixir training aircraft as part of its sustainable development strategy.

The first four aircraft, out of a total of eight to be delivered, are equipped with a cockpit specially designed for the Airbus Flight Academy, including two Electronic Flight Instrument Systems (EFIS), to prepare cadet pilots for the technologies in today's most advanced commercial aircraft.

“We are delighted to announce that, following the delivery of our very first Elixir aircraft, our cadets will now be flying this quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft during the first flight phases of their training. This is a first step towards the gradual modernisation of the training fleet to reduce the environmental impact of our academy, says Jean Longobardi, Airbus Flight Academy Europe CEO & President”.

Airbus Flight Academy Europe Campus | Flight Bases & Resources | Airbus Flight Academy | Train | Services | Airbus Aircraft

Cathay Pacific celebrates 35 years of its Cadet Pilot Training Programme

Celebrating the graduation of the first group of cadet pilots from its integrated programme with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Cathay Pacific strives to deepen its contribution to Hong Kong society, focusing on nurturing advancement in the domains of youth, sports, arts and culture. The airline’s long-running Cadet Pilot Training Programme is a testament to its commitment on youth development.

Today marked the 35th anniversary of the Cadet Pilot Training Programme, as the airline continues its commitment to growing the next generation of young aviation professionals.

The ceremony also marked the first group of cadet pilots to graduate from its integrated programme developed and conducted in collaboration with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and its new flying training partner, AeroGuard Flight Training Center. The 21 cadet pilot graduates join the airline as Second Officers, following the completion of their training.

Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam welcomed Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mr Liu Chun-san as the guest of honour at the graduation ceremony at the airline’s Cathay City headquarters. Civil Aviation Department Chief, Flight Standards Captain Lawrence Wong and PolyU Dean of Faculty of Engineering Ir Professor H. C. Man were also in attendance.

Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mr Liu Chun-san said: “Building on its 35-year legacy of nurturing local cadet pilots, the Cathay Pacific Cadet Pilot Programme has been continuously enhanced to provide high-quality and professional training for our pilots-to-be.  I would like to thank Cathay Pacific and PolyU for their commendable efforts in exploring new options to attract new blood into the aviation industry and enriching the capacity of aviation professional training in Hong Kong. ” 

Air Canada and CAE celebrate 5th anniversary of the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship.....

Air Canada and CAE, two Montreal-based global aviation companies, today marked the fifth anniversary of the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship and announced that applications for the 2024 edition of the Scholarship are now open.

Up to eight young Canadian women studying to become commercial pilots or aircraft maintenance engineers will be awarded scholarships to pursue their training in 2024. Of the eight, four recipients training to be commercial pilots will join the CAE Women in Flight program as ambassadors.

"As this scholarship goes into its fifth year, it is incredibly gratifying to see the accomplishments of previous recipients. These young women have realized their dreams and are soaring high in all regions of Canada. From the cockpit of a 737 to a flight instructor job, these scholarship recipients are wonderful role models. I am so proud of Air Canada and CAE's support for Canadian women in aviation," said Judy Cameron, Boeing 777 Captain at Air Canada (retired), and Director, Northern Lights Aero Foundation.

"It makes me, and everyone at Air Canada, extremely proud to see the success of many of our past recipients of the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship. Already, some have achieved their goals of becoming commercial pilots or Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and I look forward to seeing their careers progress. And the future is bright not only for them, but the next group of recipients as we celebrate the fifth anniversary of this wonderful scholarship named after Air Canada's first female pilot. Congratulations to all," said Murray Strom, Senior Vice President, Flight Operations and Maintenance at Air Canada.

The sky’s no limit for learners at new EMA Academy launched with Nottingham College

Hundreds of jobseekers will be given the chance to pursue high-flying careers through a specialist Academy being created by East Midlands Airport and Nottingham College.

Nottm College Partnership - 1

The Academy will offer tailor-made pre-employment and upskilling training to around 200 adult learners a year.

The free two-week courses will equip them with the skills they need to take up jobs ranging from ground crew, baggage handling, security, customer service, or roles within hotels, car parks or logistics.

The development of the fully-accredited training forms part of EMA's five-year Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy ‘Working Together for a Brighter Future,’ with the latest progress update for 2022/23 published today.

The report shows how EMA is progressing on a number of CSR commitments, including increasing its use of energy from renewable sources, granting funds for local community projects, continuing to take action to reduce noise impacts, improving service for customers with reduced mobility and increasing the number of passengers reaching the airport by sustainable transport. EMA’s parent company Manchester Airports Group also released its group-wide CSR Report today, which set out progress made against five Jet Zero Pledges.

The innovative new training partnership with Nottingham College will provide local people with the skills they need to access the varying careers available within the aviation, tourism and logistics industries. In time further opportunities for training will be opened up, helping to ensure that local people and existing staff can easily access the full range of jobs and careers on offer at EMA.

Independent Pilot Development program launched by Mesa Airlines

Mesa Air Group, announced this week the launch of its Independent Pilot Development program (IPD), which will offer pilots “pay as you go” opportunity to build required flight time quickly, economically, and efficiently in brand-new Pipistrel Alpha 2 aircraft.

Unlike traditional time-building programs, IPD offers airline training materials, advanced computerized-based training, and pilot mentors, giving pilots a competitive advantage in the commercial aviation job market. IPD is designed to accelerate the time needed to achieve the required hours under the FAA’s mandated “1,500-hour rule”. IPD gives pilots a preferred interview with Mesa, or the ability to choose to work for any airline once they have reached 1,500 hours.

The program is available to any pilot who has obtained their commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating. Pilots are required to purchase a minimum of 50-hour blocks at $60 hour. Rates include fuel and are based on two-pilot flight deck occupancy.

To join the program, the following are required:

FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate

Multi-instrument rating with a minimum of 25 hours

Maintain 25 hours of flying time a month, and pilots may choose to fly up to 8 hours a day, based on availability

British Airways launches new "British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy" to train the aviators of tomorrow.....

Private training costs for aspiring pilots can cost around £100,000

The UK's leading carrier, British Airways this week confirmed it was launching a brand-new pilot cadet programme that will fund training for up to 60 aspiring pilots each year.

The British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy will see the incredible cost barrier of training to become an airline pilot, which can be as much as £100,000, removed, making the profession much more accessible. Successful candidates will be offered a place at an approved flight training school and, upon passing the course, a position as a British Airways pilot, helping the airline to ensure it has the right levels of future flying talent for years to come.

British Airways’ new Speedbird Pilot Academy will fund up to 60 places per year at an approved flight training school, with those who pass the course offered a job as a British Airways pilot

With initial training that can cost tens of thousands of pounds, the price of becoming a pilot has made the profession prohibitive for many. This cost will now be funded by British Airways – with a multi-million-pound investment from the airline into its next generation of pilots – making it a genuine career path for all aspiring pilots.

The airline remains committed to further increasing diversity in the aviation industry and is determined to increase awareness, visibility, and applications to this new cadet programme to people from all backgrounds – not just those who can afford the initial training costs.

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said: “The Speedbird Pilot Academy will make the ambition of becoming a British Airways pilot a reality for people who’d previously written the option off because of the cost barrier.

“Our aim is to attract the very best talent out there for our future generation of pilots. Whether someone is just leaving school or embarking on a second career they never thought possible, we’re levelling the playing field by removing the initial training cost barrier to make a flying career more accessible to a wider range of people and giving everyone an equal chance.

“We fly to more than 200 destinations around the world on a range of aircraft types, providing pilots with an abundance of opportunities and making a career as a British Airways pilot extremely rewarding. This first-in-a-generation initiative will allow anyone to make it a reality.”

Paladin AI and Avion join forces to revolutionise pilot training

Paladin AI, a frontrunner in implementing Artificial Intelligence in flight simulators, has partnered with Avion to accelerate the enhancement of pilot training. 

This collaboration will see the integration of Paladin AI’s groundbreaking machine-learning training platform, InstructIQ®, into all Avion Full Flight Simulators.

Personalised training has become crucial for airlines and pilots in today’s aviation industry. Recognising this, Paladin AI has developed the most advanced competency inference engine for aviation training. InstructIQ seamlessly connects to existing training devices and leverages training media such as lesson plans and grading sheets to provide invaluable insights into proficiency and competency levels.

InstructIQ is a web and mobile platform for adaptive pilot training. Flight instructors install the application on iPads, while Paladin AI supplies the training centre with a data collector. Using the platform, flight instructors can access training analytics, electronic grading sheets, briefing and debriefing tools, and training recommendations. InstructIQ enables airlines and training centres to implement competency-based training at their organisation, saving money through more efficient training based on the individual pilot’s needs.

The integration of InstructIQ into Avion Full Flight Simulators will result in safer pilots and enhanced airline operations. This cutting-edge technology optimises training efficiency and effectiveness by leveraging data-driven pilot competency analytics while minimising costs and resources.

“We are thrilled to partner with Avion to transform pilot training and bring a new era of excellence to the aviation industry,” said Adolfo Klassen, CEO of Paladin AI. “By combining Paladin AI’s expertise in AI implementation with Avion’s state-of-the-art Full Flight Simulators, we will empower airlines to deliver personalised and data-driven training that ensures safer skies and more competent pilots.”

Manoj Pandey, CEO of Avion, added, “Our partnership with Paladin AI marks an exciting milestone in the evolution of pilot training. By integrating InstructIQ into our Full Flight Simulators, we can provide our customers with unparalleled training capabilities, enabling them to achieve higher proficiency levels and operational efficiency. This collaboration will redefine the future of pilot training.”

The Avion A320 Full Flight Simulator, located at the Luton-based Avion Flight Training Centre UK, will be the first device fully equipped with Paladin AI’s InstructIQ module. Paladin AI and Avion invite industry professionals to witness the module in action at London Luton Airport.

Paladin Ai is a pioneering company with state-of-the-art adaptive learning technology. It is a leader in applying the power of artificial intelligence to the complex learning environments present in aerospace. Paladin AI has built the first independent, device-agnostic training tool – InstructIQ – that integrates with flight simulators to provide insights to pilots and instructors about the skill and readiness demonstrated in each flight.

Avion is a renowned Full Flight Simulator manufacturer that provides realistic and immersive training experiences for pilots. With a commitment to excellence, Avion delivers industry-leading solutions that enable airlines and flight training centres to achieve the highest pilot training standards. Avion’s solutions 

Airbus and AURA AERO partner to decarbonise pilot training

Airbus Flight Academy Europe, a 100% subsidiary of Airbus that supplies training services for the French Armed Forces pilots and civilian cadets, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AURA AERO, an aircraft manufacturer specialised in fully-electric designs, to jointly approach decarbonisation for pilot training by introducing electric-powered aircraft for commercial and military pilot formation.

Under this agreement, Airbus Flight Academy Europe will collaborate on the initial development of INTEGRAL E, a fully-electric, two-seater trainer aircraft, ideally suited for initial stages of pilot training. While operating from an airfield equipped with superchargers, the INTEGRAL E aircraft can be charged in 20 to 30 minutes, granting the aircraft an hour of flight endurance.

“Our target at Airbus Flight Academy is to operate a low-carbon aircraft fleet by 2030,” said Airbus Flight Academy Europe CEO, Jean Longobardi. “We are excited to collaborate with AURA AERO in this field and are convinced that, by combining our expertise, we can meet the ambition of decarbonising to the current pilot-training approach. INTEGRAL E could become the first step to a broader partnership.”

CAE selects Vienna for its new business aviation training centre.

The six-simulator centre is set to open in 2024

One of the globes leading aviation training specialists, CAE has announced that its new business aviation training centre will be in Vienna, Austria, with scheduled operations set to start in the second half of 2024. 

In addition, CAE will deploy the first Bombardier Global 7500 full-flight simulator (FFS) in Europe, making pilot training on this popular aircraft type more accessible and convenient for operators in the region.

"Vienna is the ideal location for CAE's new business aviation training centre in Central Europe. This new centre will be a game-changer for business aviation training in the region, offering programs on the region's most sought-after aircraft platforms in an immersive learning environment," said Nick Leontidis, CAE's Group President, Civil Aviation. "CAE Vienna is another example of the significant investments we are making to bring business aviation training closer to where our customers operate their aircraft."

CAE will initially operate six state-of the-art FFSs in Vienna, including the Global 7500, a Global 6000 Vision, and four yet-to-be-announced FFSs for business jets from leading manufacturers. The new 8,000-square-metre facility will have space for expansion with a capacity for up to nine FFSs and will be purpose-built to deliver the most advanced pilot training experience in Central Europe.

In addition to the Vienna training centre, CAE is expanding and optimizing its business aviation network around the world. In November 2022, the company launched business aviation training at CAE Singapore on a newly installed Gulfstream G650 FFS. In April 2023, it inaugurated its first West Coast business aviation training centre in Las Vegas, Nevada. Looking ahead, CAE will continue to expand its network with new training centres in Lake Nona, Florida and Savannah, Georgia set to begin operations in the second half of 2023. 

13 students begin studies at the airBaltic Pilot Academy

On May 15, 2023 already the 18th group of 13 students began their professional pilot studies at the Latvian national airline’s airBaltic Pilot Academy, aiming to receive a commercial pilot license upon completion of the full-time airline transport pilot program.

Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic: “Highly-trained personnel is one of the key factors of successful operations at any airline. Since its establishment in 2017, the airBaltic Pilot Academy has produced skilled aviation professionals, with 100 active students currently pursuing their dreams here. Thus, we congratulate the young and determined students of the 18th group, who started their studies today to become professional pilots.”

The 18th group represents such countries as Latvia, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Austria, Lithuania, France, and Spain.

There are 100 active students at the airBaltic Pilot Academy at the moment. Most of them are from Baltic countries, however, there are students also from other EU countries such as Germany, France, Finland, Spain and Italy among others. Overall, more than 10% of airBaltic Pilot Academy students are female. As for now, 78 students, after graduating, have joined airBaltic.

Since May 2022, airBaltic Pilot Academy has improved the payment structure for its commercial pilot study program. As of now, after successfully passing the company’s assessment, airBaltic will finance a significant part of the studies.

Students of the airBaltic Pilot Academy will now have to cover the costs of studies until obtaining a private pilot license level, costing approximately EUR 25 000. After passing airBaltic pilot assessment and becoming an employee of the company, the airline will provide financing for the rest of the studies.

More information about the Pilot Academy: www.pilotacademy.com.

Building a hydrogen aeroplane.....KLM starts collaboration with AeroDelft student team.

On 1 April 2023, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines starts a collaboration with the AeroDelft student team to work on its Project Phoenix: building a hydrogen-powered aircraft. Developing and testing a hydrogen-powered aircraft will generate important insights into how hydrogen could be applied in aviation, including the design of liquid hydrogen tanks and crucial safety features. This puts KLM at the forefront of the development of new aviation technologies.

KLM and AeroDelft share the idea that air travel is essential for people and various sectors, but that innovation in aviation is vital. KLM is starting a collaboration with the AeroDelft student team in order to become part of various ecosystems around the technologies of the future, such as flying on hydrogen.

With this initiative, KLM and AeroDelft want to contribute to the development of hydrogen technology and the associated preconditions. This could include certification, regulations, and infrastructure. The technologies currently under development still face many challenges, such as the distribution and transport of liquid hydrogen.

About Project Phoenix

The aim of AeroDelft's Project Phoenix is to build a hydrogen-powered aircraft. The project involves developing a drone, the Phoenix-Prototype, which will serve as a steppingstone in the development of the first, manned, liquid hydrogen-electric aircraft, the Phoenix Full-Scale.

The Phoenix Prototype runs on an electric motor powered by liquid hydrogen and fuel cell technology. The drone has already completed its first flight, making an important contribution to AeroDelft's experience with hydrogen-powered flying. This involved testing whether the drone could fly on liquid hydrogen and if it could be controlled from the ground.

Lufthansa Technical Training joins edX partner network with launch of professional certificate programme for aviation technicians

Lufthansa Technical Training (LTT), the education arm of the top international airline and aircraft maintenance provider, today announced a new partnership with edX, a leading global online learning platform from 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU), to offer a professional certificate program designed to help aviation maintenance professionals accelerate their careers.

LTT's professional certificate program, entitled Math and Physics Fundamentals for Aviation Technicians, will be available on edX.org in the coming months. The new program, designed by LTT's experienced practitioners, will meet European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and many National Aviation Authorities requirements. LTT already works with over 600 companies in the aviation industry to provide training content. These new offerings add to edX's catalog of more than 4,000 online learning experiences developed in partnership with the world's top universities and corporations, ranging from free courses to full degrees.

Pan Am Flight Academy gets state-of-the-art Boeing 737 MAX-8 simulator

Pan Am Flight Academy, a leading aviation training provider, has acquired a new Level D B737 MAX-8 simulator to enhance its commercial pilot training programs. The state-of-the-art simulator is expected to be ready for training by July 2023 enabling Pan Am to incorporate a new aircraft sim to its extended offering.

The new simulator features the latest technology for a realistic and immersive training experience. It will be fully equipped with the latest L3 Harris RealitySeven technology. The new B737 MAX-8 sim will have all the latest features including the Runway Awareness and Advisory System (RAAS), TCAS II-7.1, weather radar, electric control loading and motion system and RSi EPIC visual system.

"We are excited to add the B737 MAX-8 simulator to our fleet of training devices," said Jeff Portanova, President of Pan Am Flight Academy. "This new simulator is a significant investment in our training programs and will provide our students with the highest quality training experience."

airBaltic welcomed 140 students for its 2023 Shadow Day

Latvian national airline airBaltic, the largest employer in Latvia's transportation sector, for the 16th time participated in Shadow Day, this year by welcoming 140 students. They had the opportunity to explore and understand more than 20 professions in the exciting and dynamic aviation industry.

During Shadow Day 2023, students had the opportunity to get to know the work of airBaltic pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians, and other industry professionals. 

For airBaltic, this was a record-breaking number of shadows welcomed in the airline's history. The airline received 540 applications, of which pilots and cabin crews were the most popular. 

This year airBaltic hosted Shadow Day not only in Riga, but also in Liepāja (base of the airBaltic Pilot Academy).

Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic: “I am delighted that airBaltic participated in Shadow Day 2023, by welcoming a record-breaking number of students. It is important for us to provide opportunities for young people in Latvia to explore and learn about the aviation industry. We hope that this initiative will inspire and encourage more students to consider aviation as a potential career path.”

Emirates expands flight training academy’s aircraft fleet

Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) continues to live up to its promise of offering cutting-edge tech and state-of-the-art aircraft to train pilots of the future and help close the industry’s skills gap. The Academy is now bolstering its current fleet with an order for three twin-engine DA42-VI and its corresponding flight simulator from Diamond Aircraft Industries – a leading manufacturer of aircraft in general aviation, based in Austria. The total deal is worth EUR 4 million in list prices.

The AUSTRO jet-fuel-powered DA42-VI aircraft is slated to be the flagship that ushers in multi-engine piston (MEP) training at EFTA.

Capt Abdulla Al Hammadi, Vice President Emirates Flight Training Academy, said: “Our new fleet from Diamond Aircraft is part of our larger strategic intent for our cadet programme. It helps us design a bridging MEP programme for cadets to gain more flying experience while progressing from a single engine to a light jet aircraft. It strengthens our offering and makes it more unique, rounded and robust. Our cadets will benefit hugely as they gain experience on three different types of aircraft, even before they’re licensed. The new fleet also helps us go above and beyond on complying with the new GCAA guidelines. The DA42-VI is reliable, eco-friendly and a practical platform for MEP training. We’re confident we’ve made the right choice.”

“We are thrilled that our DA42-VI is the choice for Emirates’ flight training. This, once again, solidifies the aircraft’s position as the industry-leading multi-engine piston trainer,” said Liqun (Frank) Zhang, CEO Diamond Aircraft Austria. “With Emirates we are adding another premier flight academy to our long list of renowned training operators and are looking forward to support them with the most advanced and eco-friendly aircraft available on the market today.”