06.03.2025
airBaltic’s Pilot Academy has reached a remarkable milestone – more than half of the airline’s First Officers are now graduates of the academy.
To date, 131 graduates have joined the airline as First Officers, further highlighting the academy’s growing reputation as one of the leading aviation training institutions in the region and underlining airBaltic’s commitment to developing highly skilled pilots within its ranks.
Since its establishment, the airBaltic Pilot Academy has been dedicated to providing high-quality pilot training that combines rigorous theoretical education with hands-on flight experience. The academy’s structured programme ensures cadets are well prepared to transition smoothly into the airline’s cockpits. This approach has proven highly successful, with an increasing number of academy graduates earning positions as First Officers on airBaltic’s modern feet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
The airline’s decision to invest in its pilot training programme has resulted in a continuous stream of talented aviators, reducing dependency on external pilot recruitment. By training pilots in-house, airBaltic ensures that its crew members are familiar with the airline’s operational standards, culture, and safety procedures. This strategy enhances operational efficiency and strengthens the airline’s long-term stability.
Kristaps Lapsa, who is the general manager of airBaltic Training, has emphasised the importance of this milestone: “The Pilot Academy has continuously evolved to provide the best possible training for future pilots. Seeing our graduates take their places in the cockpits of our feet is a proud moment for our entire training team. This achievement showcases the academy’s effectiveness in preparing cadets for a dynamic
career in aviation.”
As airBaltic continues to grow and expand its operations, the Pilot Academy remains a crucial element of the airline’s development strategy. With a steady influx of new cadets and a clear pathway from training to employment, the academy plays a vital role in shaping the future of airBaltic’s fight operations.
For aspiring pilots, this milestone is a testament to the academy’s success and ability to provide a direct route to a commercial airline career. As demand for skilled pilots increases worldwide, the airBaltic Pilot Academy serves as a model for how airlines can secure their future by nurturing talent from within.
