Aer Lingus, Ireland’s only 4 Star airline, has a rich history of supporting first-time pilots and over the last five years has trained and mentored over 50 pilots, all of whom are working for the airline as commercial pilots, as the airline continues to expand and develop new routes. Aer Lingus now flies to more than 100 destinations across UK, Europe and North America.

The successful candidates must excel during an intensive 14 month training programme. The recruits of 2018 will begin their aviation career as a First Officer in 2020 on Aer Lingus’ brand new Airbus A320 and A321neo long-range aircraft.

Aer Lingus is making a concerted effort to attract more female applicants to its Future Pilot Programme. It has a strong track record in supporting female pilots. In fact, Aer Lingus was the first airline in Europe to employ a female pilot, Gráinne Cronin. Currently, Aer Lingus employs twice as many female pilots when compared with the international airline industry average.

Speaking at the announcement, Mike Rutter, Aer Lingus Chief Operating Officer said: “This is a unique opportunity for aspiring pilots. At Aer Lingus, we are extremely proud of our rich heritage in training programmes specifically geared towards first-time pilots and we are one of very few airlines globally who provide this degree of support. It’s an exciting time to join Aer Lingus as we remain committed to growing the network which creates attractive opportunities for our pilots.

“We are looking for candidates from diverse backgrounds; strong team players who demonstrate leadership skills who will ultimately join us in delivering the 4 Star guest experience that positions Aer Lingus as a leading value carrier worldwide.”

Aer Lingus has embarked on significant network expansion in recent years having added six new transatlantic routes to its long haul network in the last two years which include Hartford, Los Angeles, Newark, Miami, Philadelphia and Seattle which will begin on 18th May this year.

This summer marks Aer Lingus’ largest ever long haul programme boasting 2.75 million seats across the Atlantic. It is this unprecedented expansion and future growth plans, including plans to acquire new Airbus A321neo long-range in 2019, which has created the requirement for additional pilots to join the airline.

Applicants are invited to apply online via the Aer Lingus careers website http://careers.aerlingus.com. The closing date for applications is 5pm, Sunday 13th May 2018.