On September 4, 2023, during a special event, the fifth anniversary of the Latvian national airline’s airBaltic Pilot Academy was celebrated. At the same time, six students graduated from the Academy, receiving a commercial pilot license upon completion of the full-time airline transport pilot program. In addition, already the 19th group of 12 students began their professional pilot studies. Moreover, it is important to emphasize, that Mrs. Ilonda Stepanova, State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Latvia, complimented the event with her presence.
Pauls Cālītis, Member of the Board at airBaltic: “These five years have flown by, during which we have successfully introduced a new and modern educational program for aspiring commercial pilots. We take pride in the Academy’s established reputation over the years, earning international recognition. This is not only confirmed by the substantial demand from students eager to enrol, but also by the proven success of our graduates, demonstrating excellent professional careers.”
“Also, we are very 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 19th group, who started their studies today,” Cālītis added.
The latest graduates represent countries such as Latvia, France, Spain and Italy.
There are 103 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, 89 students, after graduating, have joined airBaltic as First Officers.
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 (loan) for the rest of the studies.
