Chorus Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Jazz Aviation, has launched the Cygnet Aviation Academy and welcomes Cygnet as the 13th educational institution participating in its Jazz Aviation Pathways Program. The first cohort of Jazz Approach cadets are now underway.

Jazz and Cygnet are collaborating to deliver Jazz Approach – a pilot training opportunity that offers an accelerated career path for aspiring professional pilots. After an extensive selection process, qualifying applicants receive a conditional letter of employment from Jazz contingent on their successful completion of the program. The program takes an all-in-one practical approach, whereby cadets will earn an Integrated Airline Transport Pilot License from Cygnet, with extensive use of flight simulators, and acquire a CRJ200 type rating, all within 20 months. This represents the fastest path to an airline First Officer position in Canada, said the company.

Once hired, all candidates are required to successfully complete the same ground school, Transport Canada Pilot Proficiency Check, and safety requirements as all other Jazz First Officers.

"Jazz provides a large number of skilled and competent pilots to Air Canada each year and we're pleased with the continued innovation shown by our Air Canada Express partner through programs such as the Jazz Approach and Jazz Aviation Pathways Program," said Murray Strom, Senior Vice President, Flight Operations and Maintenance, Air Canada.

Since 2007, Jazz has been actively involved in shaping the curriculum and training of Canada's future professional pilots through active engagement with aviation colleges, flight schools, and universities. To-date, the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program has announced agreements with 20 participating industry organizations.