Aer Lingus has begun recruitment for its 2016 Cadet Pilot training programme. The airline is currently inviting applications for 12 new cadet pilots to join the 2016 training programme in January 2016.
This brings the number of new cadet pilot positions created at Aer Lingus to 60 over the past four years.
The newly trained cadet pilots are required by Aer Lingus to meet the demand for increased long- and short-haul flights, in line with the increase in routes and passenger numbers. The initial training programme will lead to the granting of a Commercial Pilots’ License with Multi Engine Instrument Rating. The successful applicants will be trained to fly A320 aircraft on the short-haul network. The cadet pilot training programme takes approximately 14 months to complete and consists of a number of phases, involving classroom study and flight training. The training will take place at Flight Training Europe (FTE) in Jerez, Spain.
The first group of cadets who began their training in 2012 have all qualified and are working as Aer Lingus First Officers on the airline’s fleet of A320 aircraft operating short-haul routes.
The second group of cadets who started their training in 2014 have all returned from Jerez and are continuing their line training in Dublin, while last year’s group of cadets who started their training in January 2015 are currently training in Jerez and due to return in March 2016.
Prospective Aer Lingus trainee pilots will need to have technical aptitude and display maturity, commitment, flexibility, motivation and a willingness to accept responsibility. Excellent communication, interpersonal, problem-solving and teamwork skills are essential qualities, combined with a good appreciation of guests’ expectations.
Once the cadet pilots have qualified from flight school, they will be scheduled for the Airbus A320 type-rating programme, subject to pilot crewing demands.
The programme comprises computer-based training and simulator exercises to ensure trainees gain the high standard of proficiency needed to fly the aircraft.
The application process for the 2016 programme is now under way and full details are available at http://careers.aerlingus.com and on the company’s Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn sites.
Stephen Kavanagh, Aer Lingus Chief Executive, said: “For over 50 years Aer Lingus has been providing young people with long-term career opportunities through pilot cadet ship programmes. This is the fourth Aer Lingus Cadet Pilot Training Programme to commence since 2011 and forms part of our ongoing commitment to developing talent within the organisation. We continue to invest in our business and to grow our airline with new route opportunities, increased passenger numbers and fleet investment. We wish prospective applicants every success.”
