Europe’s aviation industry is flying high once again, and with it comes a new wave of aspiring pilots eager to take to the skies. The airBaltic Pilot Academy, headquartered in Riga, Latvia, is reporting an unprecedented surge in applications this summer, as high school graduates across Europe embrace careers in aviation amid a post-pandemic travel resurgence and airline industry revival.
The seasonal uptick in student interest coincides with the academic transition period, but this year’s figures stand out: application numbers have more than doubled compared to previous months. According to airBaltic Training CEO Vilmantas Vaclovas Mažonas, the surge underscores a “time of opportunity” for youth seeking stable, future-oriented professions.
“Starting Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) studies right after high school allows students to maximize their learning potential when knowledge is fresh and ambition is high,” said Mažonas. “These young cadets will soon play a pivotal role in meeting the growing demand for highly skilled airline personnel.”
27th Cadet Group Launches September 3
The academy’s 27th cadet cohort is set to begin training on September 3, 2025. While applications are accepted year-round, summer has traditionally drawn the largest pool of aspiring pilots—this year exceeding expectations as commercial aviation across Europe shows sustained recovery and growth.
The airBaltic Pilot Academy currently trains 161 cadets from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and beyond. Its reach is expanding, with students now enrolling from Germany, France, Finland, Denmark, Spain, and Italy. This growing international representation highlights the academy’s position as one of Europe’s most accessible and competitive aviation training institutions.
Gender Diversity Gains Altitude
Among the most promising developments is a significant rise in female enrollment. Women now comprise over 10% of the active cadet population—a notable step toward gender parity in a field historically dominated by men. This shift aligns with broader EU initiatives to encourage women in STEM and transport-related careers.
“Our classrooms and cockpits are becoming more diverse, which only strengthens the future of aviation,” said Mažonas. “Diversity not only drives innovation but also reflects the global nature of our industry.”
Seamless Career Pipeline: From Student to First Officer
Since its founding, the airBaltic Pilot Academy has trained more than 130 pilots—many of whom have seamlessly transitioned into operational roles within airBaltic itself. These graduates typically begin as First Officers and can progress to higher-ranking positions, including Captain and Instructor roles.
This seamless transition pathway, from classroom to cockpit, is a key selling point for prospective cadets and one that few European pilot training programs can match so directly.
A landmark graduation ceremony, expected to be held later this summer, will celebrate the academy’s largest-ever graduating class of over 20 cadets. The event will further emphasize airBaltic’s commitment to growing its in-house talent pipeline to meet regional and international demand.
Lowering Barriers with Financial Support and Simulators
While pilot training remains a costly and intensive process, airBaltic has taken major steps to lower financial barriers and modernize education delivery. Through a structured tuition loan program, students initially pay €25,000, covering theoretical instruction and 45 hours of flight time. After passing airBaltic’s pilot assessment and becoming official airline employees, the remainder of the training costs are funded by the airline itself.
This deferred payment model is designed to make aviation careers more accessible to students from a broader range of economic backgrounds. It’s part of a wider industry push to democratize access to flight education while ensuring high professional standards.
Complementing the financial assistance is a cutting-edge training facility that includes not one, but two full-flight Airbus A220 simulators—the same aircraft type many airBaltic pilots operate upon graduation. These simulators, which replicate real-time flight dynamics and emergency conditions, give cadets hands-on experience that is both immersive and practical.
Supporting Baltic and European Aviation Growth
As aviation rebounds globally, particularly in leisure and intra-European travel, pilot shortages are becoming an acute issue. Eurocontrol projects that by 2027, Europe may face a deficit of over 17,000 pilots. Institutions like airBaltic Pilot Academy are vital to ensuring regional carriers have access to a consistent stream of well-trained professionals.
Located in Riga, the academy benefits from Latvia’s strategic location between Northern and Eastern Europe, giving it unique connectivity advantages. Riga International Airport also serves as a major hub for airBaltic operations, providing cadets with real-world exposure to commercial flight environments.
With strong industry partnerships, gender-inclusive policies, modern technology, and financial flexibility, the airBaltic Pilot Academy is positioning itself as a leading European center for aviation education.
Conclusion
The aviation dreams of a new generation are taking off—quite literally—with the airBaltic Pilot Academy leading the charge. As Europe’s skies fill once again with travelers, the academy is playing a central role in shaping the pilots of tomorrow. For high school graduates and career changers alike, the sky has never looked more open.
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