New Pilot Flight Academy location in Hungary

Pilot Flight Academy is expanding its activities of initial airline pilot training to Hévíz-Balaton Airport, Hungary. CEO Frode Granlund and the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, H.E. Péter Szijjártó signed the agreement on 29 April. Pilot Flight Academy expects to start its activities in Hungary by fall 2019.

“This newlocation is a strategic step into the central European market, positionedbetween Vienna Austria and the Hungarian capital Budapest. Our primary focuswill be airline cadet training. Training future captains, solely on behalf ofthe European airlines who will guarantee a job after successful completion ofthe training course,” said Granlund.

In closecooperation with the Hungarian government, Pilot Flight Academy will offer fullfinancing with favourable terms to all EU-citizens who will be selected by oneof the airline customers. Pilot Flight Academy is the first trainingorganisation within the European Union offering this possibility.

Granlundsays: “We have great experience with a similar financing program ‘Lånekassen’in Norway, which is fully supported by the Norwegian government. With thisprogram, becoming a pilot is possible for the best candidates instead of those whoseparents can afford it. With over 700,000 new pilots worldwide needed in theupcoming 15 years, this is the only way forward and a real game changer toachieve the capacity needed by the industry.”

Within theupcoming months the Hévíz-Balaton Airport will be upgraded to facilitate andaccommodate at least 300 students per year. First theory classes are intendedto start with their ATPL-theory by fall of 2019.