Delta launches Propel Flight Academy to train next generation of airline pilots

Delta Air Lines, through its Propel Pilot Career Path Program, is launching its fourth pathway for aspiring pilots since its inception in 2018: a dedicated pilot training academy in partnership with Skyborne Airline Academy.

Students can apply to begin training when the Propel Flight Academy opens in June at its campus in Vero Beach, Florida, with Delta providing eligible students with up to $20,000 in financial support.

Delta, through its Propel Pilot Career Path Program, is launching a pilot academy dedicated to training the airline’s next generation of aviators. The Delta Propel Flight Academy, operated in partnership with training provider Skyborne Airline Academy, will open its doors to the first class of students in June and is now accepting applications from interested candidates.

“The Propel Flight Academy is the latest chapter in our longstanding commitment to invest in and create new, equitable pathways for qualified talent to enter the pilot profession,” said Patrick Burns, Delta’s V.P. – Flight Operations and System Chief Pilot. “We look forward to watching a new generation of pilots begin their journey at the Propel Flight Academy and eventually join us in the flight deck to help show Delta customers why no one better connects the world.”

The academy is the fourth pathway type created for aspiring pilots by the Propel Pilot Career Path Program since its inception in 2018. To date, nearly 100 participants have completed Propel’s existing Company, College and Community pathway programs and are now flying for Delta, while another 700 pilots are currently enrolled in the program and working toward that same goal.

Student pilots will be eligible to receive up to $20,000 from Delta in financial support. Delta will also cover the cost of interest on student loans from select lenders.

The Propel Pilot Academy will be based in a newly refurbished 12,000-square-foot facility situated within Skyborne’s Vero Beach, Florida, campus.

Leading the way with Women in Aviation

American Airlines hired the first female graduates from the American Airlines Cadet Academy to join the mainline flight deck as first officers at the 2023 Women in Aviation International Conference. In addition to this special milestone, American extended 52 pilot job offers at the conference — the only mainline airline carrier to do so.

The American Airlines Cadet Academy, which celebrates its five-year anniversary in July, provides a structured platform to eliminate the financial barriers prospective pilots face. The Cadet Academy supports the growth of American’s pilot population while creating greater diversity amongst the future and current pilot ranks — with more than 30% of enrolled cadets being female. The Cadet Academy helps close the gap between dreams and an attainable future in aviation for those who didn’t know it was possible.

American’s commitment to encouraging a positive, inclusive and equitable culture for all team members is unwavering, and American is focused on diversifying the flight deck with the most qualified aviators while investing in the future.

Eight students graduate airBaltic Pilot Academy

Eight students graduate airBaltic Pilot Academy

Eight students graduated from the Latvian national airline’s airBaltic Pilot Academy, receiving a commercial pilot license upon completion of the full-time airline transport pilot program. In addition, already the 17th group of 17 students began their professional pilot studies.

Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic: “We are proud of the most recent graduates of the Pilot Academy. In order to join the team of airBaltic very soon, some of them will start further training this month. Highly-trained personnel is one of the key factors of successful operations at any airline. Also, we congratulate the young and determined students of the 17th group, who started their studies today.”

The latest graduates represent countries such as Germany, Italy, Lithuania, and Latvia. The 17th group represents Austria, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

Emirates will soon build an advanced training facility to accommodate 6 Full Flight Simulator Bays (FFS).....

Emirates will soon build an advanced training facility to accommodate 6 Full Flight Simulator Bays (FFS) for its future Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X aircraft. The brand new, 63,318 sq. ft. facility is slated to open in March 2024.

Emirates invests US$ 135 million in new pilot training centre

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group, said: “This US$ 135 million investment to build a new pilot training centre will ensure Emirates' readiness to commence its pilot training ahead of the delivery of its new aircraft fleet starting from 2024. The building will be equipped with the latest, technologically advanced simulators to provide the best training for pilots, while using solar power to reduce energy consumption.”

The new building will be adjacent to the existing Emirates Training Facilities in Dubai, which will provide a great integration and close proximity to all the other pilot training centres. 

Pilot trainees will also benefit from being able to set-up and configure the cockpit environment using bespoke devices as part of the pilot training module and upload the data to the Full Flight Simulator (FFS) prior to commencing their training session. This innovative, first-of-its-kind concept is designed to shorten the trainee’s preparatory time inside the simulator, help them maintain focus and take full advantage of the training duration.

With the addition of the new building to Emirates’ existing training colleges in Dubai, the airline will have the potential to expand its pilot training capacity by 54% per year. Across the airline’s training buildings, Emirates' pilots will have increased flexibility and facilities to hone their flying skills with 17 full flight simulator bays offering a capacity of more than 130,000 training hours a year.

In line with the scheduled delivery of Emirates’ first Airbus A350 aircraft, the airline’s newest training college will commence training its first batch of A350 pilots by June 2024.

Cathay Pacific Group to work with Vocational Training Council to nurture aviation talent in Hong Kong

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed to support the development of the aviation industry and Hong Kong as an international hub

The Cathay Pacific Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Vocational Training Council (VTC) of Hong Kong to jointly nurture a new generation of talent as the aviation industry’s growth picks up in the lead up to the completion of the Three-Runway System in Hong Kong.

The MoU Signing Ceremony was held at the Tsing Yi campus of the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), a member institution of the VTC. Witnessed by Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics Liu Chun-san, Cathay Pacific Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam and VTC Executive Director Donald Tong, the MoU was signed by Cathay Pacific Director People Patricia Hwang and VTC Deputy Executive Director Alaina Shum.

The Group’s participating companies include: Cathay Pacific, HK Express, Air Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific Services Limited – which operates the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal – Cathay Pacific Catering Services (H.K.) Limited, Hong Kong Airport Services Limited and Vogue Laundry Service Limited.

Liu Chun-san, Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics remarked that the pandemic has put the aviation industry on a bumpy flight over the past few years. But like planes flying out of an air turbulence, Hong Kong International Airport has been filling up again, and airlines have been flying to new destinations daily as the pandemic receded. Numerous exciting developments in our aviation scene have been also unfolding, including the Three-Runway System which would significantly increase our airport’s handling capacity.

48 graduates of airBaltic's Pilot Academy joined the Latvian airline in 2022

48 graduates of the Pilot Academy joined airBaltic in 2022

The Latvian airline airBaltic announces that 48 airBaltic Pilot Academy students have joined the company as First Officers after graduating in 2022. Overall, there are 67 active students for now, and four new study groups will be formed in 2023 – in February, May, September and November.

Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic: “The previous year has been rich for the Pilot Academy and I am delighted to see that it becomes more and more noticed and respected internationally. Specifically, this achievement of the recent graduates, who have joined airBaltic, absolutely highlights the Pilot Academy's quality of training and the students' dedication in pursuing their careers as commercial airline pilots. They will play a crucial role in the growth and success of our company, and we wish them all the best in their new positions.”

Altogether 48 airBaltic Pilot Academy graduates started their career at airBaltic in 2022. They represent such countries as Latvia (24), France (7), Germany (5), Lithuania (4), Spain (3), Finland (2), Estonia (1), Sweden (1) and the Netherlands (1). Six of the graduates, joining airBaltic, are female.

During previous 12 months, students have flown 4 202.3 hours, but the most time spent in the air was in March, August and September.

In total, 49 people began their studies in the Pilot Academy in 2022. However, there are 67 active students for now. Most of them are from the Baltics, while also other EU member states, such as Germany, France, Finland, Spain and Italy, are represented. More than 10% of students are female.

German airline Condor launches its Ab-Initio Program (CAP) for 7th time with TFC Käufer flight school in Essen

In two years to the Multi Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) including a type rating: To make this possible for prospective pilots, Germany's most popular leisure airline is offering pilot training in cooperation with the TFC Käufer flight school in Essen for the seventh time as part of the Condor Ab-Initio Program (CAP).

In recent months, a total of 12 applicants have been offered a training position. During the two-year training, which started yesterday, a theoretical and practical phase awaits them. In addition, the training includes type rating, i.e., type training, in this case for the Airbus A320 aircraft type.

Condor and the flight school TFC Käufer are focusing on CO2 reduction: for the first time, an electric aircraft and a corresponding virtual reality simulator will be used as part of the training. Photovoltaic systems on the roof of the flight school building will also cover the simulator's electricity requirements. In total, 70 percent of the training will be conducted on electric aircraft. Photovoltaic systems on the roof of the flight school will also cover the simulator's power requirements. The Velis Electro electric aircraft from the manufacturer Pipistrel that will be used is the first electrically powered aircraft licensed by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for training operations.

48 graduates of the Pilot Academy joined airBaltic in 2022

48 graduates of the Pilot Academy joined airBaltic in 2022

The Latvian airline airBaltic announces that 48 airBaltic Pilot Academy students have joined the company as First Officers after graduating in 2022. Overall, there are 67 active students for now, and four new study groups will be formed in 2023 – in February, May, September and November.

Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic: “The previous year has been rich for the Pilot Academy and I am delighted to see that it becomes more and more noticed and respected internationally. Specifically, this achievement of the recent graduates, who have joined airBaltic, absolutely highlights the Pilot Academy's quality of training and the students' dedication in pursuing their careers as commercial airline pilots. They will play a crucial role in the growth and success of our company, and we wish them all the best in their new positions.”

Altogether 48 airBaltic Pilot Academy graduates started their career at airBaltic in 2022. They represent such countries as Latvia (24), France (7), Germany (5), Lithuania (4), Spain (3), Finland (2), Estonia (1), Sweden (1) and the Netherlands (1). Six of the graduates, joining airBaltic, are female.

During previous 12 months, students have flown 4 202.3 hours, but the most time spent in the air was in March, August and September.

In total, 49 people began their studies in the Pilot Academy in 2022. However, there are 67 active students for now. Most of them are from the Baltics, while also other EU member states, such as Germany, France, Finland, Spain and Italy, are represented. More than 10% of students are female.

Two years to commercial pilot license......with Condor

In two years to the Multi Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) including a type rating: To make this possible for prospective pilots, Germany's most popular leisure airline is offering pilot training in cooperation with the TFC Käufer flight school in Essen for the seventh time as part of the Condor Ab-Initio Program (CAP).

In recent months, a total of 12 applicants have been offered a training position. During the two-year training, which started yesterday, a theoretical and practical phase awaits them. In addition, the training includes type rating, i.e., type training, in this case for the Airbus A320 aircraft type.

Condor and the flight school TFC Käufer are focusing on CO2 reduction: for the first time, an electric aircraft and a corresponding virtual reality simulator will be used as part of the training. Photovoltaic systems on the roof of the flight school building will also cover the simulator's electricity requirements. In total, 70 percent of the training will be conducted on electric aircraft. Photovoltaic systems on the roof of the flight school will also cover the simulator's power requirements. The Velis Electro electric aircraft from the manufacturer Pipistrel that will be used is the first electrically powered aircraft licensed by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for training operations.

2022 - A busy year for airBaltic Training..... 48 graduates of the Pilot Academy joined airBaltic in 2022

48 graduates of the Pilot Academy joined airBaltic in 2022

The Latvian airline airBaltic announces that 48 airBaltic Pilot Academy students have joined the company as First Officers after graduating in 2022. Overall, there are 67 active students for now, and four new study groups will be formed in 2023 – in February, May, September and November.

Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic: “The previous year has been rich for the Pilot Academy and I am delighted to see that it becomes more and more noticed and respected internationally. Specifically, this achievement of the recent graduates, who have joined airBaltic, absolutely highlights the Pilot Academy's quality of training and the students' dedication in pursuing their careers as commercial airline pilots. They will play a crucial role in the growth and success of our company, and we wish them all the best in their new positions.”

Altogether 48 airBaltic Pilot Academy graduates started their career at airBaltic in 2022. They represent such countries as Latvia (24), France (7), Germany (5), Lithuania (4), Spain (3), Finland (2), Estonia (1), Sweden (1) and the Netherlands (1). Six of the graduates, joining airBaltic, are female.

During previous 12 months, students have flown 4 202.3 hours, but the most time spent in the air was in March, August and September.

In total, 49 people began their studies in the Pilot Academy in 2022. However, there are 67 active students for now. Most of them are from the Baltics, while also other EU member states, such as Germany, France, Finland, Spain and Italy, are represented. More than 10% of students are female.

United Celebrates Historic First Graduating Class of Flight Academy Pilots

United, the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, is celebrating the graduation of United Aviate Academy's inaugural class of pilots, an important step towards training the next generation of talented, qualified, and motivated aviators. The inaugural graduating class includes 51 students – with nearly 80% being women or people of colour – marking the next step towards the airline's goal to train about 5,000 new pilots at the school by 2030, with the added goal of at least half women or people of colour.

The recruitment and hiring of pilots is a priority at United and the academy is an example of the long-term investments in infrastructure, training, and aircraft the airline has made in the past few years. Just last month, United purchased more widebodies than any U.S. airline in history and announced it's now the largest carrier across both the Pacific and Atlantic. To support that growth, United hired about 2,400 pilots in 2022 and plans to hire another 2,500 this year. United intends to add at least 10,000 pilots by the end of this decade.

Inaugural class puts airline on path towards training about 5,000 new pilots at the flight school by 2030 with a goal of at least half being women or people of color

Investments in training and infrastructure pave the way for United to hire more than 2,500 pilots in 2023, with a goal to add at least 10,000 pilots by the end of this decade

United CEO Scott Kirby, United COO Toby Enqvist, and other special guests on hand at Phoenix Goodyear Airport to honor academy's very first graduates

United CEO Scott Kirby and United COO Toby Enqvist will honour the first class of graduates at a ceremony later this morning at the Phoenix Goodyear Airport. "United is leading the industry in the training, recruitment and hiring of the next generation of talented commercial pilots and the progress we've made at United Aviate Academy after just one year is another example of an airline where good leads the way," said Kirby. "I'm so proud of this first class of graduates – they've taken an important first step in their career and they reflect our commitment to hiring people who exceed the highest professional and safety standards. I look forward to eventually welcoming them to our United team and I can't wait to see them flying our new United Next planes in the years to come."

United Aviate Academy graduates can continue to build flight time and leadership experience while continuing within the United Aviate pilot career development program's ecosystem. Some graduates will work as Certified Flight Instructors at the academy to continue accruing the 1,500 required flying hours – a common industry practice for aspiring pilots – while others will build experience at participating flight schools or universities, including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Purdue University and Hampton University. The United Aviate program then encourages graduates to eventually fly for a United Express carrier, take on leadership roles at an Aviate participating Part 135 operator, or become a Fleet Technical Instructor at United to complete their training. Aviate participants can expect to become a United pilot within about six years of graduating from United Aviate Academy.

United currently has more than 14,000 pilots, and Captains of United's Boeing 787s and 777s can earn more than $350,000 per year plus a rich package of benefits. In addition, United pilots receive one of the highest 401(k) matches in the nation – 16% of base pay.

Hawaiian Airlines joins Embry-Riddle’s SkillBridge Program to train, employ transitioning military personnel

 

                    Hawaiian Airlines has confirmed this week that it has become the newest industry partner of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) SkillBridge program, which has successfully transitioned more than 380 servicemen and women into civilian careers since its inception in 2019.

“Close to 70 transitioning service members around the country who started the program on Jan. 9 will graduate on March 10,” said Angela C. Albritton, director of Military Relations and Strategic Initiatives for Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus. “We’re excited that these program participants will now have the opportunity to learn more about aviation maintenance opportunities at Hawaiian Airlines.”

Each year, approximately 200,000 service members leave the military and re-enter civilian life. Embry-Riddle’s AMT SkillBridge Program is authorized by the Department of Defense and is designed to train and place transitioning service members, honorably discharged veterans and eligible military spouses into Aviation Maintenance-related careers with reputable industry partners, such as AAR, Pratt & Whitney, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, HAECO Americas and Standard Aero.

“Our industry partners recognize the skills that service members bring from the military, and we are grateful for their ongoing commitment to the program,” said Worldwide Campus Chancellor John R. Watret, Ph.D.

United opens expanded and newly renovated global inflight training centre in Houston

32 million expansion project doubles size of facility and features more classroom and training spaces, cabin and door trainers and a state-of-the-art aquatic center to practice safe evacuation of the plane in unlikely water landings

New facility reflects United's continued investments in infrastructure, technology and tools to support growth – airline on track to hire 15,000 people in 2023, including 4,000 flight attendants

According to a new study, United's IAH hub and spending by foreign visitors to Houston on United and Star Alliance member flights support an estimated $5.3 billion per year in gross domestic product in Texas and in 2022 United's direct employment in Houston contributed $1.2 billion to economic activity

The U.S. mega-carrier United has opened in Houston its largest Inflight Training Centre, a 56,000 sq. ft. facility that includes new classrooms, additional cabin and door trainers and a state-of-the-art aquatic centre that features a 125,000-gallon pool and mock fuselage to practice the safe evacuation of the plane in the unlikely event of a water landing. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner joined United CEO Scott Kirby at a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event in Houston to officially open the new training centre.

The $32 million expansion project more than doubles the available training space and supports the airline's plan to hire and train a total of 15,000 people in 2023, including 4,000 flight attendants.

United plans to train more than 600 flight attendants per month at the newly expanded Houston facility and the expansion project is another example of United's focus on long-term investments in infrastructure, tools and technology to support its United Next growth plan as well as the airline's continued commitment to Houston.

"The best flight attendants in the industry deserve the best, most modern training facility in the country," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "This expansion project is yet another example of an investment we made during the depths of the pandemic that will support our employees, further improve our ability to deliver great service and set United up for success in 2023 and beyond."

New United flight attendants will go through a six-week and a half training course at the Houston facility and then return every 18 months to stay current on their qualifications. The campus includes inflight service training spaces with mock seats, a 400+-seat auditorium and a public address room where trainees can practice their onboard announcements. The centrepiece of the building is a new Aquatic Center that includes a 125,000-gallon pool to practicing the safe evacuation of the plane in the unlikely event of a water landing.

As part of the construction of the facility, and in support of Mayor Turner's climate action plan to build local storm-resilient infrastructure, United included an underground prefabricated storm detention vault that can hold more than 268,000 gallons of water and store stormwater runoff in large underground pipes or vaults.

"United continues to be a great partner and business leader in the city of Houston, connecting Houstonians to the world and investing in vital infrastructure projects that help enhance the travel experience for millions of travellers," said Mayor Turner. "I congratulate United on opening its global Inflight Training Center, a testament to the region's workforce and pro-business environment."

Commitment to Houston

United has operated for more than 70 years from its hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).and is one of the largest employers with over 11,000 local employees and plans to hire 1,800 more in 2023. The airline maintains a corporate office presence downtown and is the leading carrier at George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport (IAH), with about 400 flights per day and more direct flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other airline.

According to a new study by Compass Lexecon, United's IAH hub and spending by foreign visitors to Houston on United and Star Alliance member flights support an estimated $5.3 billion per year in gross domestic product in Texas and in 2022 United's direct employment in Houston contributed $1.2 billion to economic activity. The study also showed that United's Houston hub indirectly supported an additional 56,000 local jobs through airport and supply chain activity.

The airline's ongoing investments and commitments to its Houston operation contribute to the positive, ripple-effect on the broader, local economy:

• As part of the City of Houston's $1.3 billion Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP), United redesigned ticketing counters as well as new pre-check and CLEAR lanes, and state-of-the-art TSA security checkpoint, which has become a model for the continued technological enhancements in the travel journey.
• United's new Baggage Handling System services Terminals C and E and features state-of-the-art technology, including seven baggage carousels with corresponding high-tech displays, a complete replacement of the old outbound baggage system with a four-loop sorting system, as well as a new Baggage Control Center to monitor and manage the entire baggage handling operation.
• The airline's Early Baggage System (EBS) facility is under construction, is expected to go online late this year and will be the first of its kind in North America – it temporarily stores bags that arrive early in a separate location until their specific departure. This new facility will allow United the flexibility to use all available gates and enable future growth at the airport.

Emirates Flight Training Academy inducts 53 new pilots into the aviation industry

As the aviation world grapples with pilot shortages, Emirates Flight Training Academy’s (EFTA) third graduation ceremony held earlier today welcomed 53 new pilots trained at their world-class facility into the industry.

With the latest ceremony, EFTA celebrated crossing three major milestones, including graduating –

1) International cadets for the first time since the academy opened its doors for non-Emirati cadets in late 2019

2) The largest cohort – more than 50 cadets and double that of previous events

3) More than 100 cadets since its first graduation in 2020.

At the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group congratulated and awarded certificates to the cadet graduates. Emirates’ executive management team in attendance included: Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer; Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer and Ali Al Soori, Executive Vice President Chairman's Office & Facilities/Projects Management.

EFTA also hosted senior leaders from across the UAE aviation community including His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Ahli, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA); His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC);  Tahnoon Saif, Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub; Major General Ali Atiq Bin Lahej, Director of the General Department of Airports Security at Dubai Police, and a delegation from the UAE Armed Forces.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed said: “Years ago, we realised there would be a huge demand for trained pilots to support commercial aviation’s needs, and as a global airline and an industry leader, we felt compelled to act. Today’s graduation ceremony marks the achievement of our long-term vision for establishing the state-of-the-art Emirates Flight Training Academy to welcome and nurture young talent not just locally, but globally. Our next generation of highly skilled, well-trained cadets is a demonstration of the academy’s contribution to the aviation industry. We’re incredibly proud of our graduates and our team at EFTA.”

Virtual Reality Pilot Training

 

First-of-its-kind Technology Addresses Worldwide Pilot Shortage, Escalating Demand for Flight Schools and Urgent Need to Reduce Air Pollution

Loft Dynamics AG, creator of the world's first and only virtual reality (VR) simulator authorized by a major aviation regulator, today announced it has re-branded and raised $20M in financing. This is the company's first institutional round, led by U.S. technology investors Craft Ventures, Sky Dayton, and Up Ventures. The funding will accelerate Loft Dynamics' growth into international markets, particularly the USA. The rebranding from VRM Switzerland to Loft Dynamics positions the company for global expansion at a time when the pilot shortage has reached a crisis point and the need to reduce air pollution has never been more urgent.

"After many years in development, we are ready to expand Loft Dynamics to become a global company and bring our technology and training solutions to the world," said Fabi Riesen, Co-Founder & CEO of Loft Dynamics. "This funding comes at exactly the right moment as we will be able to meet the escalating demand for flight schools and accelerate the range of aircraft types we support."

Loft Dynamics is already serving customers such as Airbus Helicopters, Air Zermatt, Colorado Highland Helicopters, Helitrans Norway, Meravo, and Mountainflyers. Flight schools, airlines, fleet operators, governments, and aircraft manufacturers are queuing up for a better solution to pilot training. With fewer pilots coming out of the military, and the mass retirement of pilots during the COVID-19 pandemic, the global need for trained pilots has never been higher. Loft Dynamics delivers highly efficient, exceptionally realistic, non-polluting, and dramatically less expensive pilot training.

"When open-minded entrepreneurs apply innovative technology to a safety objective, large changes are possible in a short time frame. Loft Dynamics is paving the way for the integration of Virtual Reality applications in pilot training," said Patrick Ky, Executive Director and head of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). "EASA looks forward to seeing the flight safety benefits of this as soon as possible, in line with the objective of EASA's Rotorcraft Safety Roadmap of increasing safety by 50% by the end of 2028 compared with 2017 figures."

American Airlines and Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology announce a new partnership to expand the American Airlines Cadet Academy

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology is American’s first collegiate partner for its Cadet Academy.

Since 1928, Spartan College has been training aviation pilots and technicians.

Cadets can earn their FAA certificates and ratings, as well as their Associate of Applied Science degree simultaneously.

Cadets graduating from Spartan qualify for a restricted Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate at 1,250 flight hours.

American Airlines and Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology announce a new partnership to expand the American Airlines Cadet Academy for aspiring pilots. Spartan, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the Cadet Academy’s first collegiate partner offering an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aviation Flight and increases its training network to five locations.

“The American Airlines Cadet Academy is designed to address all of the obstacles associated with a traditional flight training path,” said Christina Flores, Managing Director of Aviation Recruiting and Programs at American Airlines. “We are thrilled to offer a new pathway which includes building flight time while working towards a college degree with the support of mentorship and financial aid.”

Through this new partnership with Spartan College, American Airlines cadets have an opportunity to earn their FAA certificates and ratings, as well as their Associate of Applied Science degree. The Aviation Flight program at Spartan College can be completed in as few as 17 months with reduced ATP hours, housing options, and financial aid for those who qualify. Certified Flight Instructors may also continue their education to earn a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management degree from Spartan.

“Spartan is well known for providing broad access to aspiring pilots from all backgrounds and for the high standards of our flight training,” said Rob Polston, Chief Executive Officer at Spartan College. “We are committed to working with American Airlines to train a pipeline of new pilots to meet their needs for years to come. We are honored to partner with one of the world’s leading airlines and train the next generation of pilots in their innovative Cadet Academy.”

Image Spartan / AA

Since its launch in 2018, nearly 700 cadets have entered the Cadet Academy, and more than 100 have already graduated with the program.

Turkey is Calling Europe for Flight Training

Turkey is calling Europe for flight trainings (Photo: Business Wire)

Alfa Holding plans to cooperate with the European civil aviation authorities to adapt airline pilot training programs. The company aims to make Turkey a world-class hub for flight training.

Alfa Holding’s Aviation Services, Turkey’s rapidly growing private aviation services company, has met with leaders from European capitals to promote Turkey as a leading European flight training hub. Turkish civil aviation has received significant investment in recent years, developing into an important centre for Europe in terms of civil aviation training. Turkey’s climate conditions and its first-rate, state-of-the-art equipped airports mean Turkey is vying with other countries to become a top aviation training hub in addition to offering other aviation-related businesses.

Alfa Aviation Services Chairman of the Board Mehmet Fatih Pakır, at his recent visit to France engaged in bilateral meetings with industry peers, commenting, “We are planning to cooperate with the European civil aviation authorities to adapt our private airline pilot training programs so they can be provided in Turkey according to current European regulations. We also met with Airbus and Boeing to assure officials that simulators for public and private organizations are ready to go, and that training centres are fully equipped with the latest technologies.”

Pilots fly anywhere in the world with EASA-approved pilot certificates

Mehmet Fatih Pakır commented further, “Our negotiations, which began in France, will continue in the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria. Providing pilot licenses is an important added service for the Turkish aviation industry and for candidates, we can provide highly efficient flight training outcomes. The weather conditions are very favorable with 4 seasons at the same time throughout the country in contrast to Europe, where there is either precipitation or extreme heat which make flight training difficult. This is a win-win for all parties.”

“Sources show Turkish airports have received over EUR 10 billion in investment between 2004-2017 and are highly equipped. Almost every province has at least one airport. Expedited courses mean candidates can complete their training to become a pilot in 16 months, and their EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) approved documents to enable them to fly anywhere in the world. In addition, we will be providing special discounts in our flight schools to young pilots from Europe who wish to receive their training in our country,” he added.

Elite Flight Academy opens application for student pilot scholarship

Elite Flight Academy announced it has opened the application period for its first Student Pilot Scholarship. Valued at $15,000, the scholarship enables a high school student the chance to become a private pilot, covering up to 75 hours of training plus materials.

Elite Flight Academy is sponsoring the scholarship for high school students aged 16-18. The application is available at www.eliteflightacademy.com and must be submitted by Oct. 15.

“We believe in helping the next generation of pilots to achieve their aviation dreams. Elite Flight Academy works to ensure our pilots are receiving the best possible training, while having a place to meet with and gain experience from other pilots,” said Corey Johnson, Operations Manager.

Air Asia academy and Airbus partner to empower more women with #RatuTech

Participants of the airasia academy #RatuTech programmes are trained by certified professional instructors like Software Engineering expert, Naghmeh Mohammadi. Photo AirAsia

AirAsia expands its partnership with Airbus to empower more underrepresented women in the digital sphere and increase their participation in the tech workforce through airasia academy’s #RatuTech campaign.

The #RatuTech programme aims to help females, especially from the B40 group to explore careers in technology by reskilling and developing relevant, marketable and in-demand skills such as Digital Marketing, Software Engineering, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Cloud Infrastructure and others.

Aireen Omar, President (Ventures) Capital A & Chief Executive Officer of airasia academy said: “We hope that collaboration with major corporate entities like Airbus will allow more underprivileged women the chance to acquire the right skill sets so they, too can compete and contribute in the digital economy.”

Aireen added: “We aim to continuously transform the future of our tech talent pipeline and #RatuTech is a unique outreach programme which explores untapped talents from within the marginalised communities. This way, we can close the gender gap and revolutionise the region’s tech talent engine for IR 4.0.”

Raymond Lim, Airbus Chief Representative for Malaysia said: “Our support of the #RatuTech programme underscores our commitment to social diversity, equal opportunities, and the progression of women in societies across the world. We believe that the programme is a move in the right direction towards the empowerment of women in a technology-driven economy and will contribute to their economic and social development in the long term.”

Ethiopian Aviation Academy set to widen oppotunities.....

Ethiopian Aviation Academy and UTD Aviation Solutions sign an agreement to  promote the Academy jointly in the Americas 

Ethiopian Aviation Academy (EAA)  Photo Ethiopian Aviation Academy

Ethiopian Aviation Academy (EAA), the largest Aviation training Academy in Africa and  UTD Aviation Solutions, a US-based Aviator and ASA (Aviation Suppliers Association’s auditing process) accredited company signed an MOU to promote the Academy jointly in the Americas.  

According to the MOU signed at Ethiopian Airlines headquarters, UTD Aviation will spread information across US and Latin American markets, about the wide range of courses of Ethiopian Aviation Academy.  

The agreement aims to sustain the legacy of Col. John C. Robinson, also known as ‘The  Brown Condor’ and ‘Father of the Tuskegee Airmen’, which began almost 100 years ago.  The Brown Condor Initiative (BCI) is a joint initiative structured with Ethiopian Aviation  Academy to train underprivileged and under-marketed future aviators of colour in  America.  

Mr Mesay Shiferaw, Managing Director of Ethiopian Aviation Academy remarked, “We are glad to have signed this MOU with UTD Aviation and pave the way for future aviators of colour to acquire world-class aviation training. This partnership enables both Ethiopian Aviation  Academy and UTD Aviation to promote the Academy jointly among the African American  community.” 

Mr Dahir Mohammed, President and CEO of UTD Aviation Solutions on his part said,  “We are glad to partner with the largest Aviation training centre in Africa, and UTD recognises  the potential of Ethiopian Aviation Academy as a pipeline to address the labour crisis in the US  aviation sector”. He added, “We are confident that we can promote the Academy’s training  courses in the market we operate, and no doubt the cooperation will soon bear fruits for both  continents.”

UTD Aviation Solutions  

UTD Aviation Solutions (UTD) is headquartered in New York near JFK International airport and is a  certified member of the Airline Suppliers Association operating as an (ASA)- 100 certified suppliers ensuring  FAA compliance with Advisory Circular (AC) 00-56. UTD operates as a pioneer in North American  Aviation as a registered Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and an accredited member of the National  Minority Suppliers Development Council (NMSDC). 

Ethiopian Aviation Academy (EAA)  Photo Ethiopian Aviation Academy