The 18th group, composed of 13 students, began their professional pilot studies at the Latvian national airline’s airBaltic Pilot Academy, aiming to receive a commercial pilot license upon completion of the full-time airline transport pilot program. The 18th group represents such countries as Latvia, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Austria, Lithuania, France, and Spain.

There are 100 active students at the airBaltic Pilot Academy at the moment. Most of them are from Baltic countries, however, there are students also from other EU countries such as Germany, France, Finland, Spain and Italy among others. Overall, more than 10% of airBaltic Pilot Academy students are female. As for now, 78 students, after graduating, have joined airBaltic.

Since May 2022, airBaltic Pilot Academy has improved the payment structure for its commercial pilot study program. As of now, after successfully passing the company’s assessment, airBaltic will finance a significant part of the studies.

Students of the airBaltic Pilot Academy will now have to cover the costs of studies until obtaining a private pilot license level, costing approximately EUR 25 000. After passing airBaltic pilot assessment and becoming an employee of the company, the airline will provide financing for the rest of the studies.