Ryanair has unveiled its new program, the Future Flyer Academy, with the goal of training and recruiting hundreds of pilots in Ireland over the next four years.
This initiative, in partnership with the esteemed Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA) based in Ireland, specifically caters to individuals with minimal to no prior aviation experience.
The program targets onboarding over 400 aspiring pilots as Second Officers by 2028, leveraging AFTA’s expertise in training pilots to operate Ryanair’s Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 aircraft.
The Future Flyer Academy integrates initial training with the Type Rating qualification, fast-tracking the progression of pilot training and ensuring comprehensive skill development.
Graduates of the program are guaranteed a position as a commercial pilot with Ryanair upon successful completion of full training and requisite checks.
Neal McMahon, Ryanair’s Chief Operations Officer, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, highlighting the unique opportunities it offers for aspiring pilots.
The partnership combines Ryanair’s industry-leading expertise with AFTA’s renowned training programs, promising unparalleled training quality and career prospects.
McMahon emphasized Ryanair’s commitment to nurturing new talent, especially with the upcoming addition of over 300 Boeing 737 MAX-10 aircraft in the next decade.
The Future Flyer Academy signifies Ryanair’s dedication to supporting, developing, and recruiting aspiring pilots for pivotal roles in the aviation industry.
Mark Casey, Managing Director at AFTA, also hailed the partnership as a significant step forward. He noted AFTA’s longstanding relationship with Ryanair and the successful career paths of many AFTA graduates within the airline, including roles as First Officers, Captains, Training Captains, and management pilots.
Casey highlighted Ryanair’s training department as industry-leading, underscoring AFTA’s crucial role in shaping future aviation leaders and preparing them for fulfilling careers as Ryanair pilots.
Ryanair’s ambitious growth plans include targeting more than 300 million pasengers annually and expanding its fleet to 800 aircraft by 2034. These plans create vast opportunities for aspiring pilots to grow within the company and contribute to its success.
Interested individuals can now apply to join Ryanair’s Future Flyer Academy in partnership with AFTA, marking the beginning of a promising journey in aviation.
Detailed information about the program and application procedures can be found on Ryanair’s dedicated careers page and AFTA’s official website.
The Future Flyer Academy not only offers top-notch training but also ensures a clear career path for aspiring pilots within Ryanair, reflecting the airline’s commitment to talent development and retention.
Through this collaboration, Ryanair and AFTA aim to set new standards in pilot training and contribute to the continued excellence of the aviation industry in Ireland and beyond.
The program’s structured curriculum and hands-on experience prepare graduates for the demands of modern aviation, equipping them with the skills and confidence to navigate their roles effectively as commercial pilots.
With the aviation sector poised for growth in the coming years, initiatives like the Future Flyer Academy play a crucial role in bridging the gap between aspiring pilots and rewarding careers in the dynamic aviation industry.