AZAL sends young specialists from National Aviation Academy for training in Europe
A group of 36 graduates from the National Aviation Academy (NAA), at the initiative of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), part of AZCON Holding, was sent to the city of Lleida (Spain) on April 25 and 29, 2026, to participate in a professional development program.
The program is aimed at enhancing the professional skills of young specialists and preparing them to perform the duties of co-pilots in accordance with international standards, according to the press service of AZAL CJSC.
The graduates will undergo an 18-month theoretical and practical training at the Baltic Aviation Academy training center, operating in Lleida. Upon successful completion of the program, the young pilots will receive an international certificate from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Baltic Aviation Academy is among the leading aviation training centers in Europe and enjoys international recognition in the field of pilot training. The academy employs modern teaching methods, advanced simulation technologies, and engages instructors with international experience. Its graduates work for various leading airlines worldwide.
Participants in the program acquire theoretical and practical knowledge in line with EASA standards, developing into highly qualified specialists who meet the demands of the international aviation market.
At the next stage of training, the graduates will undergo type-specific training for the Airbus A320 aircraft at a training center in Lithuania and will obtain a type rating certificate for this aircraft. After completing all stages of the program, the pilots will return to Azerbaijan and begin working at AZAL as co-pilots. Currently, an additional 25 pilots are undergoing training at the Flight Crew Training Center in Gabala, while another 65 are training at a center in Turkey.
To participate in the program, NAA graduates undergo a selection process that includes the SkyTest exam, conducted by international experts invited to Azerbaijan. The testing is designed to assess the psychological resilience and motor skills of candidates, with the final selection based on the conclusions of SkyTest experts.
It should be noted that, in line with AZAL's long-term development strategy, the airline is dynamically expanding its fleet. As part of this process, special attention is given to increasing the number of local pilots and training them to meet international standards, which aims to ensure safe and comfortable air travel. By 2032, AZAL plans to increase its fleet from the current 25 to 50 aircraft, as well as at least double the number of pilots, which currently stands at around 280. This is an important part of the airline's sustainable development and investment in human capital.
