Image: Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus has relaunched its pilot recruitment drive spanning the next five years.
The airline is offering 90 aspiring pilots the opportunity to realise their ambitions and become a pilot of tomorrow for the airline.
This is the first time since 2019 that the Company is running its intensive pilot training programme and will recruit 18 candidates in this year’s round. Aer Lingus will begin accepting online applications from now until 16th August 2023. The course is fully sponsored by the airline.
Aer Lingus chief executive, Lynne Embleton said: “The Aer Lingus Future Pilot Programme opens a world of opportunity for the next generation of pilots who will join our airline.
Aer Lingus’ transatlantic expansion and Dublin Hub growth strategy, means there are opportunities for new Aer Lingus trained pilots to join our team of Captains and First Officers who currently fly to over 80 European destinations, and to 14 North American destinations on our long-haul network.
“Our continued focus on using Ireland’s unique geographic position to connect Europe to North America and vice versa presents immensely exciting careers for those who are passionate about being a pilot.
“We have a rich history at Aer Lingus of training pilots and our new Future Pilot Programme continues in that wonderful tradition, for which we are well known and respected.
“We encourage everyone interested to consider our fully funded future pilot programme and we particularly encourage females to apply as we continue our efforts to close the gender gap in aviation.”
Pilot training
Beginning in January 2024, successful candidates will undergo a 14-month pilot training course combining theory and practical studies, in collaboration with the Spanish flight training school, FTE Jerez.
Following a period of 14 months of study in Jerez, the students will return to Aer Lingus’ Training Academy in Dublin to complete their training; they will be mentored and supported throughout by the Aer Lingus Liaison Pilot.
On qualifying, they will receive a Multi-crew Pilot’s Commercial Licence, leading them to become a First Officer and ultimately a Captain for short and long-haul routes.
The newly qualified pilots will go on to operate some of the most leading-edge aircraft in terms of sustainability.
