Air Transat is looking ahead to its next generation of pilots with the launch of a new cadet training program that will enable the airline to build a pipeline of qualified pilots, with applications being accepted now for training beginning in February 2024.

In the conjunction with CAE, the Ascension Academy program will offer aspiring pilots a pathway to earn their wings at CAE’s flight academy, and the opportunity to begin their career as a second-in-command upon completion of their type rating with Air Transat.

“This program will enable us to recruit and train pilots in advance of the increased demand anticipated over the next years,” says Air Transat VP of Flight Operations, Marc Gilber. “One of the advantages of the Ascension Academy is that we will have a pipeline of pilots trained to our exacting standards with the specialized knowledge and skill to operate Air Transat’s fleet to destinations throughout our network.”

He adds, “Our strong company culture and positive employee experience will certainly attract many candidates.”

The Ascension Academy program lasts approximately 18 months with most of the training takes place at a campus in Phoenix, Arizona, and CAE’s facilities at Falcon Field airport.

“We are thrilled to launch the Ascension Academy program with Air Transat and partner with a leading Canadian airline on a proactive training approach to meet future demand for pilots,” said

Nick Leontidis, CAE’s Group President, Civil Aviation praised Air Transat for its proactive approach to meet future demand for pilots, stating his company forecasts a need for 63,000 new commercial pilots in North America over the next 10 years.

Applicants who are successful in the interview process will be admitted to the Ascension Academy program and receive a conditional letter of employment from Air Transat for a second-in-command position. Upon completion of their training and type rating, Ascension Academy graduates will become fully qualified Air Transat seconds-in-command and fly state-of-the-art Airbus aircraft throughout the airline’s global network, including to transborder and international transatlantic destinations from its hub airports in Montreal (YUL) and Toronto (YYZ).

The Ascension program will provide structure and support to cadets throughout their journey from the classroom to the flight deck, with a team of instructors and pilots from CAE and Air Transat providing mentorship every step of the way.

For more information or to apply, visit www.transat.com/en-CA/corporate/careers/ascension-academy.