Ryanair has launched a new training partnership with Cork-based flight school, Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA), to deliver the Ryanair/AFTA Mentored Pilot Programme.
This new 16-month intensive training programme gives trainee pilots a structured path to achieve their pilot licence and reach a standard where they are ready to join the Ryanair Boeing 737 type rating programme.
Trainee pilots on the Mentored Pilot Programme will be trained by AFTA instructors using Ryanair procedures as they take their first steps towards becoming Ryanair pilots.
Over the next five years up to 450 new pilots from all over Europe will be recruited and trained by AFTA in Cork which underlines AFTA’s global position in the pilot training market.
Simon Coveney, An Tánaiste (deputy head of the Irish government), officially launched the pilot training partnership in Cork.
“Ryanair is one of Ireland’s world class business successes and this announcement confirming the next generation of Ryanair pilots will be trained in Cork is a most welcome one, he said.
“Atlantic Flight Training Academy has also established itself as an industry leader in training and this announcement confirms that.
“Finally, to the 450 trainees who will launch their careers from here, I wish you every success.”
Ryanair’s Deputy Director of Flight Operations, Neal McMahon said, “The new Ryanair-AFTA programme will provide us with a steady pipeline of talented and professional pilots from around Europe to meet the needs of our growing network.
“Ryanair will hire up to 1,000 pilots per annum over the next five years and our pilots can look forward to unmatched opportunities.”
