Envoy Air signs CAE to Cadet Program

Envoy Air Inc. is building upon its existing pilot pipeline programs with the expansion of an "instructor" cadet program with CAE.

The Envoy Cadet Program assists the most promising future pilots in making a smooth transition from the classroom to the cockpit. Combined with Envoy's seniority-based flow through to American Airlines, the cadet program provides unmatched advancement opportunities.

As an official Envoy cadet partner, CAE will hire Envoy cadets as Certified Flight Instructors to provide training at CAE's academy in Phoenix, Arizona. As part of the program, cadets will benefit from gaining experience in a professional environment while building the 1,500 required flying hours to advance their career.

The Envoy Cadet Program offers various levels of support as the cadet's certifications, training and experience evolve, including $5,000 in financial assistance. Mentorships and internships with airline industry experts can begin as early as a cadet's freshman year. As cadets achieve more certifications, they become eligible for financial assistance. Placement at partner schools to serve as instructors is an opportunity for cadets to build their flight time, at no cost.

New hire pilots are projects to upgrade to Envoy Captain in just two and a half years and flow through to American in just under six years, with no additional interview required. Nearly 60 percent of American's new hires since 2013 came from Envoy.

"The Envoy Cadet Program allows us to ease the financial burden faced by aspiring pilots wanting to pursue this career, while simultaneously giving Envoy access to some of the nation's top talent," said Ric Wilson, Envoy's vice president Flight Operations. "Nearly 110 pilots have already come through our existing Pipeline programs and are now flying as First Officers for Envoy, with 87 currently employed by Envoy as instructors or completing their qualifications. We expect the enhancements in the cadet program to attract even more pilots to join our team."