easyJet and Virgin Atlantic have announced a pilot exchange program, allowing 20 easyJet pilots to gain long-haul experience on Virgin Atlantic’s A350 aircraft. The program, starting in November 2024, offers valuable experience for easyJet pilots and enhances their career growth opportunities.
On Father’s Day, seasoned Line Training Captain Martin Beaton and his son Harry, a burgeoning First Officer, will share the cockpit for a special training flight from Leeds Bradford Airport to Majorca under the banner of Jet2.com. Harry will accumulate flying hours towards his pilot certification. It marks a cumulative 25 hours of shared sky time. Martin, a Jet2.com pilot since 2014, plays a pivotal role in nurturing aspiring pilots, while Harry entered Jet2.com in 2019 and has progressed to a non-type rated First Officer. Their journey includes supervised flights with experienced captains, including Martin, culminating in a final assessment in June. Harry’s passion for aviation was inspired by his father’s successful career at Jet2.com.
Air France has launched its Cadet Pilot Program, offering comprehensive 24-month training to develop aspiring pilots. Open to all ages and experience levels, the program fully funds training at partner flight schools. Successful trainees will join Air France or Transavia as First Officers on Airbus A220, A320, Boeing B737, or Airbus A320neo aircraft. Air France prioritizes safety, technical proficiency, eco-responsible flying, and customer satisfaction, boasting a diverse and inclusive work environment with a growing number of female pilots. Applications are open until July 15, 2024, and informational webinars will be held on June 6 and 13.
WestJet has announced a six-month delay in its planned integration of Sunwing Airlines. The Calgary-based carrier acquired Sunwing last year and initially set the integration date for October 2023. However, the integration has now been pushed back to April 27, 2025, due to pilot training and cockpit measurement unit issues. Despite the delay, both airlines will continue operating independently for their winter flight schedules.
Iberia has launched the fourth edition of its cadet program, in partnership with the esteemed aviation school, FTEJerez (Flight Training Europe). The program aims to promote the piloting profession among young people and assist them in financing their training with interest-free loans covering about 50% of the costs. Upon completion, Iberia ensures smoother entry into the job market for cadets, assisting them with loan repayment. Currently, 16 cadets are training at FTEJerez, with eight more expected to start in late 2024. FTEJerez CEO Óscar Sordo expressed honor in Iberia’s continued trust in the school to train its future pilots.
easyJet’s Pilot Training Program is paving the way for aspiring individuals to soar in the skies. With an ambitious goal to recruit 1,000 new pilots by 2028, the program offers a unique opportunity for those with little to no flight experience to become co-pilots within two years. Through inclusive recruitment efforts, easyJet aims to bridge gaps in the aviation industry and increase the representation of female pilots.
The Boeing T-7A Red Hawk, a cutting-edge pilot trainer for the U.S. Air Force, has recently achieved three significant milestones during testing and development. The Climate Chamber Test at Eglin Air Force Base assessed the aircraft’s systems performance under extreme temperatures. The Escape System Test conducted at Holloman Air Force Base aimed at refining the ejection seat design and canopy fracturing system. Additionally, the finalization and integration of Flight Control Law 17.5 has expanded the aircraft’s capabilities for pilot training. These milestones demonstrate the program’s steady progression towards production and full operational capability.
Growing up, Mohammed Hakeem’s fascination with aviation took flight during family trips. Despite childhood naysayers, his dream never faltered. In 2017, he joined Alaska Airlines as a customer service agent, quickly rising through the ranks before transitioning to a flight attendant role. However, his ambition to pilot aircraft persisted, driven by the desire to honor his parents’ sacrifices and inspire others like him. Mohammed applied to Alaska Airlines’ Ascend Academy in 2023 and is currently dedicated to completing his training with unwavering belief in himself. In the meantime, Alaska Air Group recognizes the contributions of seasoned aviators like Captain Julie Thiele, Captain Geoff Nelson, and Captain Rich Loudon, highlighting the airline’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and the pursuit of aspirations.
