Ryanair launches pilot training course for people with no aviation experience

Ryanair has launched a pilot training programme for people with "little to no prior aviation experience". 

It's expected the new Future Flyer Academy programme for aspiring pilots will lead to the recruitment and training of over 400 pilots in Ireland over the next four years. 

The programme has been launched in partnership with Irish-based and world-renowned international flight school, Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA). 

The Future Flyer Academy offers aspiring pilots the opportunity to kickstart their aviation career through a combination of classroom, simulator, and practical training with a path to employment as a Second Officer with Europe’s largest airline group, Ryanair. 

For several years, AFTA has been training aspiring pilots to a standard where they can complete their Type Rating course to operate Ryanair’s Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 aircraft.

Through the Future Flyer Academy programme, this initial training is combined with the Type Rating qualification to fast-track pilot training progression. 

Ryanair reportedly guarantees candidates a job as a commercial pilot with the airline upon completion of the programme (subject to relevant checks), with industry leading benefits like outstanding earnings potential, access to Ryanair’s Route-to-Command programme, and industry-leading rosters (fixed 5 days on, 4 days off). 

Ryanair’s Chief Operations Officer, Neal McMahon, said, "We are delighted to launch the Future Flyer Academy in partnership with Atlantic Flight Training Academy here in Ireland.

"By combining Ryanair’s industry-leading expertise with AFTA’s world-class training programmes, our Future Flyer Academy will create unparalleled opportunities for 100’s of aspiring pilots who are looking to kickstart a well-paid career in aviation as a commercial pilot." 

He continued: "Ryanair new Future Flyer Academy training programme shows our continued commitment to supporting, developing, and recruiting aspiring pilots for future positions as we take delivery of over 300 Boeing 737 MAX-10 aircraft over the next 10 years.

"Ryanair looks forward to growing the careers of many more AFTA pilot trainees through our new Future Flyer Academy over the years to come.”

Managing Director at AFTA, Mark Casey, said, "We are delighted to announce the partnership with Ryanair on the Future Flyer Academy. AFTA will celebrate 30 years in business next March 2025 and has a long-standing relationship with Ryanair.

"A very large number of our graduates currently fly as First officers, Captains, Training Captains and management pilots within the airline. The new Future Flyer Academy will give successful applicants a clear path towards a long and rewarding career as a Ryanair pilot.

"Ryanair’s training department is recognised as the best in the industry and the partnership validates the quality of our training programmes and AFTAs role in shaping the future Captains of the skies. We look forward to welcoming future Ryanair Captains through our doors in AFTA."