Four students have graduated from the Latvian national airline’s airBaltic Pilot Academy, receiving a commercial pilot license upon completion of the full-time airline transport pilot program. Additionally, the 22^nd group of 16 students has already begun their professional pilot studies. Four of the new students are current cabin crew members.

“A number of them will start additional training this month, preparing to join the airBaltic team soon. Skilled and well-trained professionals are key to the success of any airline,” said Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic.

“Moreover, we extend our congratulations to the young and motivated students of the 22^nd group, who embarked on their educational journey today. Four of them are already our employees but have decided to embrace new professional challenges. Further education and career advancement are things that we, as a company, strongly support,” Gauss added.

In total, during six years since the Pilot Academy's foundation, 24 airBaltic employees have enrolled in the academy's studies. So far overall 10 graduates have joined the academy’s team as theoretical instructors, thereby significantly enhancing its educational personnel. This development means that 10% of the academy's alumni, who joined the airline as First Officers, have also assumed roles within the academy, thus enriching the study program with their expertise.

There are 136 active students at the airBaltic Pilot Academy at the moment. Most of them are from the Baltic countries, however, there are students also from other EU countries such as Denmark, Germany, France, Finland, Spain and Italy among others. Overall, more than 10% of airBaltic Pilot Academy students are female. As for now, 99 students, after graduating, have joined airBaltic.

Students of the airBaltic Pilot Academy 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.