BAA Training, one of the largest aviation training centres in Northern Europe, launches a new training programme in cooperation with Atlantica, a private university with solid reputation in the educational industry in Portugal. The joint programme offers students an opportunity to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering and acquire Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL (A) frozen) simultaneously.
The programme will take three and a half years to complete, with some of the courses taken online. Students will spend one and a half years at Atlantica University in Portugal learning Aeronautical Engineering subjects, which will be followed by two years of ground and flight training delivered at BAA Training in Lithuania or Portugal. The new study programme is tailored to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make the transition from academic environment into a career in aviation.
“The partnership with Atlantica University which is modern, ambitious, and result-oriented, facilitates our mutual goal to prepare highly desirable employees of the future. We understand that carriers require well-rounded professionals, thus, we are aiming to supply the industry with fully-qualified aviation experts holding both a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering and a pilot’s licence,” says Egle Vaitkeviciute, CEO of BAA Training.
Carlos Guillen Gestoso, President of EIA Group and Atlantica University, stressed that the agreement reached with BAA Training will provide students with more attractive training opportunities that could double their chances of finding a job in the aviation industry. “We design study programmes in line with the market demand and search for new ways to offer additional value for students. The need for pilots and MRO specialists has reached its peak, however, recruitment specialists are still raising the bar of requirements for candidates. Thus, students of this programme will become more attractive applicants and concurrently be able to choose either to pursue their career in design, manufacture and aircraft operations or fly with airlines.”
According to E. Vaitkeviciute, the decision to initiate the programme with Atlantica University was a strategic move to expand into the region and to offer year-round flight training for future BAA Training pilots from all over the world. “Portugal is an ideal location for students’ training because of its mild climate, aviation infrastructure of the highest quality and easy accessibility. Around 300 days of the year in Portugal are suitable for flight training, which means that we can offer more quality time for more students to practise their flying skills.”
Those interested in Aeronautical Engineering and Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL (A) programme may apply online at https://www.baatraining.com/become-a-pilot/training-programs/aeronautical-engineering. The applications for this year are accepted until the end of September.