Stobart Air operates as a franchise of Aer Lingus and also Flybe.
Stobart Air has partnered with Cork-based Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA) to recruit and train 24 new pilots.
The new pilots will receive their commercial pilot’s licence after a 16-month course and become full-time first officers with the Irish airline.
Cadet pilots will fly AFTA’s glass cockpit-equipped Cessna 172s at first, followed Piper Seneca twin for the advanced phases. AFTA’s state-of-the-art Boeing 737 NG simulator will also be part of the course.
The fleet at Atlantic Flight Training Academy, Cork.
Stobart Air operates up to 940 flights a week across 43 routes throughout eleven European countries from bases in Ireland and the UK. The airline operates under the Aer Lingus Regional brand as part of a franchise agreement with Aer Lingus and operates Flybe routes from London Southend Airport, and the Isle of Man.
Graeme Buchanan, managing director of Stobart Air, said, “Stobart Air continues to grow and develop and we have ambition plans for the airline over the period ahead.
“With our €25 million investment in route network expansion, fleet modernisation and pilot recruitment announced last year, we are actively consolidating our position as Europe’s leading franchise flying partner.”
Donal Young, director of flight operations at Stobart Air, said, “Stobart Air’s new partnership with AFTA will ensure our pilots receive advanced flight instruction and one-on-one mentorship from some of the industry’s best teachers.”
