The Pilot Academy of the Latvian national airline airBaltic has improved the payment structure for its commercial pilot study program. As of now, after successfully passing the company’s assessment, airBaltic will loan most of the study fee.

Students of the airBaltic Pilot Academy will now 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.

Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic: “The relatively high cost of studies posed a significant obstacle for young, aspiring students looking to join the airBaltic Pilot Academy and fulfil their aspirations of becoming future airline pilots. The new system emphasizes airBaltic's commitment to the Pilot Academy as an educational institution and will facilitate more students in achieving their dream of becoming a pilot.”

There are 103 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, 89 students, after graduating, have joined airBaltic as First Officers.