The airBaltic’s Pilot Academy is expanding its instructor team with returning graduates, thus reinforcing its commitment to developing top-tier pilots.
This strategic initiative leverages the recent experience of 18 alumni who are now airBaltic pilots and have rejoined the academy as theoretical and flight instructors. Of these, six new-graduate instructors have recently begun their jobs as instructors, significantly enhancing the academy’s training capabilities.
Having successfully navigated the academy’s rigorous training programme, these graduates bring a unique and invaluable perspective to teaching. Their firsthand experience translates into practical knowledge and direct mentorship, effectively guiding current students towards professional pilot proficiency.
Mārcis Jaunkamps, a recent graduate-turned-instructor, articulated his enthusiasm: “It’s a rewarding experience. Even during my studies, I envisioned myself returning as an instructor. This role represents a natural progression after completing the academy and gaining operational experience at airBaltic. It’s important for graduates to contribute as instructors, because we possess a recent understanding of the training curriculum and can effectively guide cadets towards success. Furthermore, we integrate innovative perspectives, merging our academy knowledge with practical, real-world applications.”
Complementing the recent-graduate instructors, seasoned airBaltic pilots also contribute their extensive expertise, thereby enriching the training environment with practical, operational insights.
Vilmantas Mažonas, the CEO of airBaltic Training, emphasised the academy’s strategic significance: “The airBaltic Pilot Academy is instrumental in securing the airline’s future. By developing our own pilots, we uphold rigorous standards of professionalism and operational excellence. The return of our graduates as instructors reinforces our ecosystem, fostering a sustainable and continuously evolving learning environment that directly supports airBaltic’s strategic objectives.”
The team of instructors is diverse, comprising primarily of Latvian professionals but also with representation from Lithuania, Estonia, Italy, and Finland. Furthermore, 11% of the instructors are female, underscoring the academy’s commitment to inclusivity. This blend of insight from recent graduates and expertise from seasoned pilots creates a dynamic and effective learning environment for aspiring aviators.
Photo: Dace Teibe
