Air Transat and CAE Launch Ascension Academy for Aspiring Pilots

In collaboration with CAE, Air Transat has unveiled the Ascension Academy, a novel cadet training initiative to cultivate a reservoir of pilots who meet the highest professional standards.

Air Transat and CAE Launch Ascension Academy for Aspiring Pilots
Photo by John McArthur / Unsplash
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Air Transat and CAE Launch Ascension Academy for Aspiring Pilots

In collaboration with CAE, Air Transat has unveiled the Ascension Academy, a novel cadet training initiative aimed at cultivating a reservoir of pilots who meet the highest professional standards. The program is designed to offer budding pilots a structured route to earn their wings at CAE's renowned flight academy. Upon completing their type rating with Air Transat, these cadets will commence their aviation careers as second-in-command. The academy accepts applications, with training sessions set to begin in February 2024.

Marc Gilbert, Vice President of Flight Operations at Air Transat, emphasized the strategic importance of the Ascension Academy. He stated that the program is poised to nurture the forthcoming generation of Air Transat pilots, equipping them with specialized skills tailored to the airline's diverse fleet and destinations. Gilbert highlighted the company's robust organizational culture and positive work environment as critical attractions for potential candidates.

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Nick Leontidis, CAE's Group President of Civil Aviation, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Air Transat. He cited CAE's projection of a requirement for 63,000 new commercial pilots in North America over the forthcoming decade. Leontidis believes cadet programs like the Ascension Academy are instrumental in attracting the requisite talent to sustain the aviation industry's momentum.

The Ascension Academy's selection process is rigorous. Successful applicants receive a conditional employment offer from Air Transat for a second-in-command position. Upon concluding their training and type rating, these graduates are positioned to operate state-of-the-art Airbus aircraft across Air Transat's expansive global network. This includes routes to transborder and international transatlantic destinations, primarily from the airline's central hubs in Montreal and Toronto.

The Ascension program is structured to offer cadets comprehensive support throughout their training journey. This encompasses mentorship from a dedicated team of CAE and Air Transat instructors and pilots.

Interested individuals can visit the official website for more details about the Ascension Academy and application procedures.

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About Air Transat:
Established 35 years ago in Montreal, Air Transat is a premier travel brand, offering routes to international destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, and the U.S. coasts. The airline, honored as the Best Leisure Airline at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, is renowned for its exceptional customer service. With a commitment to sustainability, Air Transat is in the process of updating its fleet with environmentally efficient aircraft.

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About CAE:
CAE is a technology-driven company dedicated to equipping individuals in critical roles with the expertise and tools necessary to ensure global safety. With a presence in over 40 countries, CAE boasts more than 13,000 employees. The company has a rich legacy of industry innovations, offering high-fidelity flight, mission, and medical simulators, all powered by cutting-edge digital technologies.