Ryanair has launched a ‘Future Flyer Academy’ pilot training programme which is in partnership with Ireland-based flight school, Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA), which will see over 400 aspiring pilots join the airline group as Second Officers over the next four years.
The training programme will offer aspiring pilots the opportunity to start their aviation career as a commercial airline through a world-class combination of classroom, simulator, and practical training with a defined path to employment as a Second Officer with Ryanair.
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For several years, AFTA has been training aspiring pilots to a standard where they can complete their Type Rating course to operate Ryanair’s Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 aircraft. Through the programme, this initial training is combined with the Type Rating qualification to fast-track pilot training progression. Not only that, but Ryanair also guarantees candidates a job as a commercial pilot with the airline upon completion of the programme.
Managing Director at AFTA, Mark Casey said: “We are delighted to announce the partnership with Ryanair on the Future Flyer Academy. AFTA will celebrate 30 years in business next March 2025 and has a long-standing relationship with Ryanair. A very large number of our graduates currently fly as First officers, Captains, Training Captains and management pilots within the airline. The new Future Flyer Academy will give successful applicants a clear path towards a long and rewarding career as a Ryanair pilot. Ryanair’s training department is recognised as the best in the industry and the partnership validates the quality of our training programmes and AFTAs role in shaping the future Captains of the skies. We look forward to welcoming future Ryanair Captains through our doors in AFTA.”