The Atlantic Flight Training Academy has opened a base in Waterford.
It's the second Irish Pilot Training and Recruitment base for the Cork headquartered group.
AFTA recently launched a partnership with Ryanair and up to 450 pilots from across Europe will be recruited and trained in Cork and Waterford over the next five years.
Speaking at the AFTA launch at Waterford Airport, Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan TD, said:
"The aviation sector plays an important role in Ireland's economy and Atlantic Flight Training Academy, an Enterprise Ireland client company, has been a key partner working with Cork Institute of Technology in helping to address the industry challenges of pilot retention and ongoing training, through the launch of Europe's first Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in International Business with Aviation Studies programme."
"I am delighted that cadet pilots in the region will now benefit from AFTA's modern training fleet. The AFTA 'Mentored Pilot Programmes', with their airline partners Ryanair and Stobart Air, provide a fantastic opportunity for aspiring pilots from the South East to be trained at their local airport. I wish every success to the next generation of AFTA - trained airline pilots as they begin their careers here at Waterford Airport."
Aidan Power, Waterford Airport Manager, said:
"We are proud to welcome Atlantic Flight Training Academy to Waterford Airport. AFTA have been utilising Waterford as a training airport for the past 24 years and it is fantastic news that they have decided to solidify their presence at Waterford and commit to a full time operational base at the airport. We look forward to seeing the base grow over the coming years and we wish AFTA success in their most recent contracts with Ryanair and Stobart Air."
Managing Director at AFTA, Mark Casey said:
"We are delighted to launch our second Irish Pilot Training base here at Waterford Airport. Waterford airport is a vital component of Ireland's airport infrastructure which offers world class facilities and services to operators. Today's announcement follows the recent launch of our mentored pilot programme partnership's with both Ryanair and Stobart Air in Ireland. AFTA has a long-standing relationship with these leading world airlines, and a large number of our graduates currently fly as First officers, Captains, Training Captains and management pilots with them."
"The AFTA 'Mentored Pilot Programmes' with our respective airline partners, Ryanair and Stobart Air, will give successful applicants accepted on both the Ryanair and Stobart Air Mentored Pilot Programmes, a clear path towards a long and successful career as an airline pilot."
"We are looking forward to developing and growing this partnership with the help of Waterford airport over the coming years."
The online application for the Ryanair-AFTA Training Programme is now open. For more information and to apply, visit www.afta.ie/ryanair
