05.11.2025
Yesterday, November 5, 2025, already the 28th group of 17 students began their professional pilot studies at the airBaltic Pilot Academy of the Latvian national airline airBaltic. The new group, which includes students from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, France, and Germany, aims to receive a commercial pilot license upon completing the full-time airline transport pilot program.
Robbert Strating, SVP Flight Operations at airBaltic: “It is always a proud moment to welcome a new group of cadets to the airBaltic Pilot Academy. Their journey represents not only personal ambition but also the continued growth of airBaltic and our commitment to developing highly qualified aviation professionals in the region. The success of our graduates – now serving as First Officers and even Captains – clearly demonstrates the strength of our training program and the opportunities it provides for a long-term career within the airline.”
There are currently 158 active students at the airBaltic Pilot Academy from the Baltics and other European countries, with more than 10% of them being female. Since its establishment, 163 graduates have joined the airline, most now flying as First Officers, with several taking on roles as training instructors. Notably, the academy has reached a new milestone, as four of its graduates have successfully completed their Captain upgrade, becoming the first Pilot Academy alumni to serve as Captains at airBaltic, demonstrating the strength of the program and the clear career path from cadet to Captain.
Students of the airBaltic Pilot Academy have to cover the costs of ATPL theory studies and 45 flight hours, at a cost of 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. More information about the Pilot Academy: www.pilotacademy.com.
Additionally, for more than a year now, airBaltic has expanded its training capabilities with its second Airbus A220 full flight simulator. This state-of-the-art addition significantly improves the airline’s capacity to train and maintain the qualifications of its growing team of pilots, supporting both the expansion of its fleet and the ongoing development of the Pilot Academy. It also provides young pilots with the opportunity to learn and practice using the latest, industry-leading technology – right from the start of their journey.
Over the past 30 years, airBaltic has evolved into a globally respected carrier. Today, it connects the Baltic States to 80 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus region, providing essential infrastructure and global connectivity for the region. A complete schedule of airBaltic flights and tickets are available on the company’s homepage at www.airbaltic.com.
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. Founded in 1995, today airBaltic operates one of Europe’s youngest fleets, consisting of 50 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, and employs over 2 800 people. In 2025, airBaltic became the first European airline to offer free high-speed SpaceX Starlink internet on its flights.
The company is majority-owned by the Latvian state, holding 88.37% of the voting rights, while Deutsche Lufthansa AG holds 10%, and the remaining 1.63% are held by other private shareholders.
airBaltic’s commitment to excellence is recognized by numerous prestigious awards, including being named the Best Airline in its region by Skytrax for three consecutive years. In 2025, airBaltic made its debut in the global rankings compiled by Airline Ratings, which recognized it among the world’s 50 safest and overall best airlines, as well as one of the leading global airlines in sustainability and among the most preferred airlines in Europe and the UK. The same year, APEX awarded the company the Five Star Major Airline Award for its commitment to providing a high-quality travel experience and before that – the Passenger Choice Award for Best Cabin Service in Europe. In 2024, the airline was awarded the PROS AI Innovator Award for leveraging AI to drive transformative outcomes and optimize operations.
