Avia Group Begins Pilot Runway Program, Aiming to Train 200 New Pilots

Avia Solutions Group, the leading provider of ACMI services worldwide with a fleet comprising 212 aircraft, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with its subsidiary, BAA Training.

Introducing Pilot Runway—a financed training program with a guaranteed job placement. This program is strategically launched to meet the soaring demand for pilots in the aviation sector, particularly as regional airlines face the challenge of an aging workforce and a pressing need for new talent.

Anticipating the industry’s need, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts that airlines will have to recruit between 500,000 to 600,000 new pilots over the next twenty years. To address this, Pilot Runway aims to train up to 200 new pilots annually. The program will follow the Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) curriculum, providing extensive hands-on experience in piloting Airbus or Boeing aircraft.

Graduates will be awarded the globally recognized EASA Pilot License, opening doors to opportunities in Europe and beyond. Importantly, upon completion, students are guaranteed employment with one of the prominent ACMI airlines within the Avia Solutions Group network.

Prospective students can benefit from partial funding covering a significant portion of tuition fees, with additional financial support available through partner airlines to cover remaining study costs. This initiative builds on BAA Training’s prior success with similar projects, ensuring a robust framework for aspiring pilots.

Students enrolled in the Pilot Runway program will receive training at BAA Training schools, renowned for their comprehensive aviation training solutions. With locations spanning Spain, Lithuania, France, and Vietnam, BAA Training offers a diverse range of programs—from Ab Initio training to Type Rating.

Each year, the organization processes over 100,000 flight hours in its advanced full-flight simulators and flight training devices, providing Type Rating for more than 1200 pilots. This commitment to excellence is further underscored by recent acquisitions, including 48 Cessna 172 Skyhawks, augmenting an already impressive fleet of simulators catering to Airbus A320, Boeing 737 MAX, Boeing 737 NG, Boeing 737 CL, and Boeing B747-400 aircraft types.