Pilot Academy Marks Milestone with 100th Graduate

Currently 18 students have graduated from the Pilot Academy of the Latvian national airline airBaltic, receiving a commercial pilot license upon completion of the full-time airline transport pilot program. This latest group of graduates marks a significant milestone for the academy, as it proudly celebrates its 100th graduate. Additionally, the 23rd group of 15 students has already begun their professional pilot studies.

Martin Gauss CEO and President of airBaltic: “This is a remarkable milestone in our journey to develop world-class aviation professionals the latest graduates of the Pilot Academy. Several of the new graduates will begin additional training this month, preparing to join the airBaltic team soon. Having well-trained personnel is a crucial element for the success of any airline.”

“Moreover, we extend our congratulations to the young and motivated students of the 23rdgroup, who embarked on their educational journey today. As airBaltic continues its development and works toward operating 100 aircraft by 2023, having such dedicated individuals will be key to achieving our future goals,” Gauss added.

The graduates represent countries such as Austria, Finland, France, Latvia, Lithuania, and Spain, while the new group includes students from Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

There are 136 active students at the airBaltic Pilot Academy at the moment. Most of them are from the Baltic countries, however, there are students also from other EU countries such as Denmark, Germany, France, Finland, Spain and Italy among others. Overall, more than 10% of airBaltic Pilot Academy students are female. As for now, 112 students, after graduating, have joined airBaltic.

Students of the airBaltic Pilot Academy have to cover the costs of ATPL theory studies and 45 flight hours, costing EUR 15 000. After passing airBaltic pilot assessment and becoming an employee of the company, the airline will provide financing (loan) for the rest of the studies.

Additionally, airBaltic is set to expand its training capabilities with the arrival of a second Airbus A220 full flight simulator later this year. Scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2024, the new simulator will significantly enhance the airline's ability to train and maintain the qualifications of its growing number of pilots, supporting both the airline's fleet expansion and the continued development of its Pilot Academy.