BAA Training, a leader in aviation training solutions, has signed a contract with Spain’s Volotea, one of the fastest-growing independent airlines in Europe, to provide cadet pilot training, with the first cadet batch starting in February 2025. This is an important step in preparing fully qualified pilots amidst the ongoing pilot shortage. BAA Training aims to train around 30 students per year with the soon-to-launch cadet program.
The cadet program, in partnership with Volotea, will provide airline-specific, full-scope, competency-focused Multi-crew Pilot License (MPL) training to the cadets. The program covers theory, flight training on single- and multi-engine aircraft, and aircraft type-specific full flight simulator training. This will fully prepare them to operate within Volotea-specific procedures.
“We have a successful track record of running the MPL training programs, thus, we’re very happy to have signed the new partnership with Volotea, which will further solidify our experience in this particular field,” says Marijus Ravoitis, CEO at BAA Training. “We look forward to working with the airline to prepare qualified pilots for them, meet their needs, and, most importantly, ensure quality training.”
“We are pleased to partner with BAA Training in preparing a new generation of pilots trained directly within our airline’s standard operating procedures from day one. This approach ensures our MPL cadets develop both the technical skills, and the disciplined mindset required to uphold our high standards in safety and service, leading to a smooth transition into our operations,” says Merlan van der Panne, Head of Pilot Recruitment & Duty Pilot at Volotea.
Alongside the airline-focused MPL training, the cadet program offers job security to pilots under training. As soon as the cadets complete their training, they are fully prepared to take up a First Officer seat at Volotea. This takes out the uncertainty of job prospects.
The training will be held across a couple of BAA Training locations where the training academy has an established presence – ground school at either Vilnius, Lithuania or Lleida-Alguaire, Spain; flight school at the Lleida-Alguaire International Airport; and the simulator training center in Barcelona, Spain. This allows cadets to start gathering valuable experience early on, including real-life training environment.
In order to apply for the training program, applicants have to be at least 18 years of age and have the right to live and work in the EU, with no previous aviation experience required to start their pilot career. Applications for the Volotea Cadet Program can be made through an application form on the BAA Training’s website.
BAA Training is part of the Avia Solutions Group family, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, with a fleet of 214 aircraft. The group also provides a range of aviation services, including MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), pilot and crew training, ground handling, and various associated services. Supported by 12,000 highly skilled aviation professionals, the group operates in 68 countries worldwide.
