Thursday 26 April 2018: Aer Lingus has launched the ‘Aer Lingus Future Pilot Programme’ – a fully-sponsored, fully-mentored training platform, run by Aer Lingus, for aspiring pilots.  

Aer Lingus, Ireland’s only 4 Star airline, has a rich history of supporting first-time pilots and over the last five years has trained and mentored over 50 pilots, all of whom are working for the airline as commercial pilots, as the airline continues to expand and develop new routes. Aer Lingus now flies to more than 100 destinations across UK, Europe and North America.

The successful candidates must excel during an intensive 14 month training programme. The recruits of 2018 will begin their aviation career as a First Officer in 2020 on Aer Lingus’ brand new Airbus A320 and A321neo long-range aircraft.

Aer Lingus is making a concerted effort to attract more female applicants to its Future Pilot Programme. It has a strong track record in supporting female pilots. In fact, Aer Lingus was the first airline in Europe to employ a female pilot, Gráinne Cronin. Currently, Aer Lingus employs twice as many female pilots when compared with the international airline industry average.

Speaking at the announcement, Mike Rutter, Aer Lingus Chief Operating Officer said:

“This is a unique opportunity for aspiring pilots. At Aer Lingus, we are extremely proud of our rich heritage in training programmes specifically geared towards first-time pilots and we are one of very few airlines globally who provide this degree of support. It’s an exciting time to join Aer Lingus as we remain committed to growing the network which creates attractive opportunities for our pilots.

“We are looking for candidates from diverse backgrounds; strong team players who demonstrate leadership skills who will ultimately join us in delivering the 4 Star guest experience that positions Aer Lingus as a leading value carrier worldwide.”

Aer Lingus has embarked on significant network expansion in recent years having added six new transatlantic routes to its long haul network in the last two years which include Hartford, Los Angeles, Newark, Miami, Philadelphia and Seattle which will begin on 18th May this year.

This summer marks Aer Lingus’ largest ever long haul programme boasting 2.75 million seats across the Atlantic. It is this unprecedented expansion and future growth plans, including plans to acquire new Airbus A321neo long-range in 2019, which has created the requirement for additional pilots to join the airline.

Applicants are invited to apply online via the Aer Lingus careers website http://careers.aerlingus.com. The closing date for applications is 5pm, Sunday 13th May 2018.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR

Essential criteria for application

• 18 years of age on or before 1st January 2018
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Eligible to live and work permanently in the EU
• Up-to-date unrestricted worldwide passport
• Able to pass an airport security vetting procedure, including a five-year background check
• Two verifiable references
• Able to obtain an EASA / IAA issued Class 1 Medical, including successfully passing a colour blindness test - Please refer to www.iaa.ie prior to application to ensure you can meet all medical requirements in line with eyesight/colour blindness limitations
• If applicants are not Irish citizens, they will require a current police disclosure certificate from their home country if successful
• If applicants have resided outside the Republic of Ireland for six months or more, they will also require a current police disclosure certificate from that country/countries

Key competencies and skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Flexibility and willingness to work at various hours throughout the day or night
• Strong communicator who acts with integrity
• Well-developed decision making skills
• Technical awareness
• Strong team player with ability to build and maintain positive working relationships and demonstrate leadership qualities
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

Minimum educational criteria:

• Leaving Certificate pass grade (6 subjects) or equivalent
• O3 grades in English and Mathematics at ordinary level or H6 at higher level in the Leaving Certificate
• Minimum of 2 higher level subjects with a minimum of H5 grades in the Leaving Certificate (equivalent grades detailed on http://careers.aerlingus.com)
• Where the minimum Leaving Certificate or equivalent grades have not been met, you must have one of the following qualifications:
  • A minimum of a Level 7 third level (ordinary degree) in any discipline
  • Completed an aviation-related apprenticeship

Closing Date: 17.00 GMT on Sunday 13th May 2018

AER LINGUS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER