Air Transat is tackling the pilot shortage head on, announcing a collaboration with Canadian Aviation Electronics (CAE) to launch the Ascension Academy, a cadet training program dedicated to fostering the next generation of qualified pilots. CAE has 50 aviation training centres worldwide where they conduct airline pilot training and business jet pilot training.
With the vision to offer aspiring pilots a pathway to earn their wings, the flight academy will allow new pilots to begin their careers as first officers upon completing their type rating with Air Transat. Training starts in FEB 2024.
Marc Gilbert, Vice President of Flight Operations at Air Transat, expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative: "The Ascension Academy is a new program that will develop the next generation of Air Transat's pilots. This program will enable us to recruit and train pilots in advance of the increased demand anticipated over the next years."
He further emphasized the program's benefits, stating, "One of the advantages of the Ascension Academy is that we will have a pipeline of pilots trained to our exacting standards with the specialized knowledge and skill to operate Air Transat's fleet to destinations throughout our network."
Nick Leontidis, CAE's Group President of Civil Aviation, pointed out, "CAE forecasts a need for 63,000 new commercial pilots in North America over the next 10 years, and cadet programs like the Ascension Academy will be key to attracting the talent needed to keep the industry flying. The Ascension Academy program will not only secure a steady pipeline of qualified pilots for Air Transat, but it will also set a clear pathway for those who aspire to an exciting career in the flight deck."
Successful interviewees will gain entry into the Ascension Academy program and be presented with a tentative employment offer from Air Transat. Once training is complete and they attain their type rating, graduates from the Academy will be positioned as Air Transat's fully certified second-in-command, piloting Airbus aircraft across the airline's international network. This includes routes spanning transborder and transatlantic sectors from Montreal (YUL) and Toronto (YYZ) hubs.
The Ascension program also provides structure and support to cadets "from the classroom to the flight deck," with a team of instructors and pilots from CAE and Air Transat providing mentorship.
More information on Air Transat's website.
