More than 400 new pilots to join Ryanair in the next four years

The airline's new pilot training programme has been launched in partnership with Cork-based Atlantic Flight Training Academy

Tue, 16 Apr, 2024 - 10:18

Emer Walsh

A new flight training programme will see more than 400 pilots join the Ryanair group over the next four years, the airline has said.

Launching its new Future Flyer Academy pilot training programme with Cork-based, Atlantic Flight Training Academy (Afta) this week, the airline said it will allow aspiring pilots to kickstart their aviation career with a combination of classroom, simulator and practical training, with a defined path to employment once completed.

Founded in 1995 and based in Cork, Afta operates a large fleet of aircraft and simulators, including the Diamond DA 42 aircraft as well as B737 NG and B737 MAX simulators.

For several years, the flight school has trained aspiring pilots to complete their Type Rating course and operate Ryanair’s Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 aircraft.

"Afta will celebrate 30 years in business next March 2025 and has a long-standing relationship with Ryanair," said managing director of the flight school," Mark Casey.

"A very large number of our graduates currently fly as First officers, Captains, Training Captains and management pilots within the airline. We look forward to welcoming future Ryanair Captains through our doors in AFTA.”

Ryanair’s Chief Operations Officer, Neal McMahon said, "We are delighted to launch the Future Flyer Academy in partnership with Atlantic Flight Training Academy here in Ireland.

"Ryanair new Future Flyer Academy training programme shows our continued commitment to supporting and recruiting pilots for future positions as we take delivery of over 300 Boeing 737 MAX-10 aircraft over the next 10 years."