In the midst of the global pilot shortage crisis, Avion Express, an ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operator, has announced the addition of 50 new First Officers to the market. This achievement was made possible through partnerships with pilot training academies, as part of its efforts to maintain a continuous flow of qualified professionals.
Laura Macutkevic, Vice President of People and Culture at Avion Express, highlighted that airlines play a key role in the professional development of pilots.
«The path to becoming a professional pilot is rigorous, and airlines must invest time and resources to make this process more accessible and efficient,» she stated. The company has developed training programs and collaborations with training academies to ease the transition of cadets into active roles,» according to our Brazilian partner outlet, AEROIN.
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Partnerships with institutions like BAA Training and Eagle Jet have been pivotal in achieving this goal. According to Macutkevic, these collaborations have optimized training processes, benefiting both the pilots and the company. These initiatives are part of the strategies of the ASG Group, to which Avion Express belongs, to create more opportunities in the sector.
Additionally, the company reported that in 2023, 18 First Officers advanced to the rank of Senior First Officer, and 16 achieved the position of Captain. Avion Express also operates a simulator specifically developed for its needs in collaboration with BAA Training, aimed at ensuring consistency and quality in training.
The company anticipates continuing these efforts in 2025, aiming to increase the number of trained pilots. This comes as Avion Express advances in developing a subsidiary in Brazil. Avion Express recently established a foothold in South America by leasing two Airbus A320s to Flybondi, Argentina’s largest ultra-low-cost carrier.
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As part of the Avia Solutions Group, an ACMI provider with a fleet of 221 aircraft and over 100 subsidiaries, Avion Express seeks to address the pilot shortage and strengthen its operations within the aerospace sector.
