The skies are buzzing with excitement as airBaltic, Latvia’s national airline, celebrates a new wave of aviation professionals. On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, eight students from the Pilot Academy graduated, marking a significant milestone in their journey to becoming certified pilots. These graduates, hailing from diverse countries like Austria, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland, now hold coveted commercial pilot licenses.
But the celebrations didn’t end there. The academy also welcomed its 24th cohort – a group of 17 eager students embarking on their own journey to become pilots. These new recruits represent Finland, France, Germany, Italy, and Latvia, bringing a fresh wave of international talent to the academy.
Martin Gauss, CEO and President of airBaltic, expressed his pride in the graduates and his excitement for the new cohort. “It’s a pleasure to recognize and congratulate the latest graduates of the Pilot Academy. Many of them will soon begin further training, getting ready to join the airBaltic team. Having skilled and well-prepared professionals is essential to the success of any airline.”
Gauss continued, highlighting the importance of the new students. “We also warmly welcome the dedicated students of the 24th group, who start their journey with us today. As airBaltic grows and moves towards its goal of operating 100 aircraft in the coming years, these committed individuals will be vital to reaching our future ambitions.”
The airBaltic Pilot Academy, currently home to 138 active students, is a testament to the airline’s commitment to fostering future pilots. The academy draws talent from across the Baltic region and beyond, with students coming from EU countries like Denmark, France, Spain, and Italy. Notably, over 10% of the student body is female, showcasing the increasing diversity within the field of aviation.
To date, 124 graduates have successfully joined airBaltic, contributing to the airline’s growth and success. The academy’s curriculum is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the competitive aviation industry. While students are responsible for financing their initial training costs, airBaltic provides crucial financial support to those who successfully complete the program and join the airline. This financial assistance comes in the form of a loan to cover the remaining costs of their training.
Looking ahead, airBaltic is bolstering its training capabilities even further. The airline plans to add a second Airbus A220 full flight simulator, which is expected to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2024. This new simulator will significantly enhance the airline’s ability to train and assess its expanding pilot workforce, ensuring that its pilots are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to handle the airline’s growing fleet.
The airBaltic Pilot Academy, with its dedicated faculty, diverse student body, and commitment to excellence, plays a vital role in shaping the future of the airline. As airBaltic continues to expand, the academy will undoubtedly continue to produce highly skilled and qualified pilots, ensuring a smooth and successful journey for the airline and its passengers.
