Jetstar has launched a cadet pilot training scheme in partnership with Moorabbin based Oxford Aviation Academy Group and CTC Aviation Group of Hamilton, New Zealand, which will train up to 70 pilots in its first year of operation.
Jetstar’s Cadet Pilot Training Program will take in candidates not only from Australia and New Zealand but also from Singapore and Vietnam for its Jetstar Asia and Jetstar Pacific operations, as the airline grows to a fleet of over 100 aircraft over the next five years.
“We anticipate up to 20,000 applications for this attractive new program which seeks to remove some of the traditional barriers to becoming an airline pilot, demonstrating the high demand to enter this highly skilled and sought-after profession,” Jetstar CEO Bruce Buchanan said.
“Both Oxford Aviation Academy and CTC Aviation Group have worked with dozens of the world’s leading airlines across Europe, the Middle East and Asia with similar cadet pilot training programs, and will now introduce this efficient and proven model to the Australia Pacific region for the first time.”
The program will accept its first intake of pilot candidates in July 2010, and operate two distinct streams, with a three month Advanced Cadet Program for existing CPL holders, and the 18 month long Ab-initio Cadet Program for candidates who have little or no flying experience, “but meet Jetstar’s requirements for aptitude, quality and safety to enter a comprehensive training and development program.”
“Jetstar will offer a first in our region by equipping and fully qualifying graduates of our Cadet Pilot Training Program to fly as a Jetstar pilot as part of our experienced pilot group,” Jetstar chief pilot Captain Mark Rindfleish said.
“This is a big positive for our industry which we believe enhances the opportunities for people wanting a commercial aviation career by more effectively tapping into other talent pools, whilst supporting existing pilot training initiatives in our region.”
