BAA Training is to partner on a pilot training programme with SmartLynx Airlines, a Latvia-based charter airline.
BAA Training has announced a five-year pilot training agreement with SmartLynx Airlines, which will see cadets on the EASA ATPL integrated training programme offered a conditional employment contract upon sucessful completion of training. The programme costs EUR62,000. Successful candidates will progress to being co-pilots on the Airbus A320.
SmartLynx Airlines stated that the airline is keen to attract an increased number of pilots to support a new phase of development and expansion in 2017. The airline’s fleet consists of 12 Airbus A320 aircrafts and one Airbus 321 aircraft that operate across Europe, Asia and Africa. In 2017 its fleet will be supplemented by two Airbus A320 and one Airbus 321 aircraft, while in 2018 the fleet will be further expanded reaching a total of 18 aircraft. In tandem with the expansion of the fleet, SmartLynx expects to recruit around 80 additional pilots.
“In recent years we have been confronted with the shortage of pilots in aviation industry,” explained Zygimantas Surintas , CEO of Smartlynx Airlines. “This is the reason why we have signed a partnership contract with BAA Training Aviation Academy. Smartlynx will start to work with young-generation pilots, following their progress during all years of studies at BAA Training. All successful graduates assessed by SmartLynx will be offered the opportunity to undertake the type rating courses for Airbus A320 series by SmartLynx and, if finished it successfully, a job at Smartlynx Airlines. Soon enough we will also work on scholarship grants, as we all know how expensive aviation industry can get.”
More information at www.baatraining.com/smartlynx-cadet-program/
