Cork pilot training firm Afta agrees deal with global airline VistaJet
VistaJet’s chief operations officer Nick van der Meer and Afta’s head of training and chief executive Mark Casey.
The Atlantic Flight Training Academy (Afta) has agreed a new partnership with VistaJet, one of the world's largest private jet operators.
Under the agreement, Afta and VistaJet Pilot Mentored Programme will consist of five different entry paths that have been specifically designed to meet the varying levels of experience among young professionals, ranging from potential pilots with little to no flying experience up to experienced foreign licence holders wishing to convert to EU aviation standards.
Founded in 1995 and based in Cork, Afta operates a young and modern fleet of aircraft and simulators, including the Diamond DA 42 aircraft as well as B737 NG and B737 MAX simulators.
The collaboration is aimed at facilitating efficient pilot training and ensuring pilots acquire the necessary skillset and experience needed to meet VistaJet’s standards.
VistaJet flies corporations, governments and private clients to 187 countries and covers 96% of the world. Founded in 2004, the company uses a business model where customers have access to an entire fleet while paying for the hours they fly.
Afta also operates a range of other partnerships with small and large airlines. Last year it secured a deal to train cadets for Austrian firm GlobeAir, which offers exclusive private jet hire to politicians, diplomats, business leaders, musicians, and elite sports stars, including soccer players, golfers, and F1 drivers.
It also operates a mentorship and training programme in partnership with Ryanair.
Since it began operations, Afta has trained more than 2,300 graduates who are now working with airlines including Ryanair, Air Astana, Pegasus Airlines, Aer Lingus, easyJet, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Cathay Pacific.
The company also offers a course with Munster Technological University, which can lead to a career as a commercial pilot.
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