Lufthansa Cargo successfully renews Cargo iQ quality certification

Lufthansa Cargo was recently re-certified by the independent auditing company SGS in accordance with the Cargo iQ Standards for quality management along the airfreight transport chain. The comprehensive audit included an extensive documentary pre-audit as well as a detailed examination of the implementation of the described quality assurance procedures in all processes. In a three-year cycle, this ensures that Cargo iQ members implement the high standards and specifications of the IATA (International Air Transport Association) community of interest. The last audit of Lufthansa Cargo took place in 2017, and preparations for this year’s audit had already been underway since last year.

Lufthansa Cargo again achieved an outstanding result with three out of three possible stars and was thus able to confirm the equally successful audit from 2017. Among other things, the audit examined the implementation of the milestone system used by Cargo iQ to evaluate performance and the development of Lufthansa Cargo’s quality management, especially with regard to “continuous improvement” measures. The cargo airline was awarded the three stars in particular for its performance in the categories “Corporate Social Responsibility,” “Innovative Spirit” and “Contribution to the Cargo iQ Community“.

Cargo iQ is an IATA community of interest, connecting more than 60 members in the air cargo industry, including airlines, freight forwarders, ground handling agents and IT providers. Cargo iQ provides metrics and a quality management system to monitor and evaluate compliance with the customer promise. Lufthansa Cargo is represented on the Cargo iQ Board and regularly participates in Cargo iQ Working Groups to contribute to the further development of the community of interest.

Bristish Airways adds a new route to Nuremberg

Kaiserburg Nürnberg – © Uwe Niklas

British Airways has today announced that it will be introducing a new destination to its London Heathrow short-haul network, Nuremberg, located in Bavaria, Germany.

Flights to this European city will initially operate four times a week from March 27. The schedule will then increase to six flights per week schedule starting from May 1, 2022 and four times a week over the winter months. The airline has conveniently timed winter flights so that customers can connect to and from other destinations across British Airways’ route network, including services to the US.

Last month, British Airways CityFlyer also announced new short-haul routes from London City to Luxembourg, Barcelona, Guernsey, Jersey, Milan and Thessaloniki operating from March 2022.

Flights will be operating from London Heathrow Terminal 3.

Frontier highlights endangered species in the Caribbean and Latin America, one to be selected for a tail

Frontier Airlines is celebrating its new growth in the Caribbean and Latin American markets with a campaign to underscore the plight of endangered animal species in six popular destinations the airline currently serves in the region. Consumers are encouraged to participate by choosing the next endangered animal to be featured on the tail of one of Frontier’s new, ultra-efficient Airbus aircraft. Plus, voters are entered for a chance to win an unforgettable seven-night vacation to the tropical destination where the animal they selected is from. A second animal from among the six will be chosen at random to also be featured on another upcoming plane tail.

Frontier has rapidly expanded service in the Caribbean and Latin America and now offers 65 routes to 17 tropical destinations. The remarkable growth has propagated lower fares and more convenient flights to some of the most popular vacation spots featuring world-class beaches, breathtaking views and, of course, exotic wildlife.

The six animals to choose from are:

Voting is open through Feb. 14, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. MST. Visit https://1.shortstack.com/1zRmmg for sweepstakes rules and to cast your vote.

About the Animals:

The Pink Headed Warbler – Guatemala

The Pink-Headed Warbler is endemic to the highlands of Guatemala and the neighboring Mexican state of Chiapas. It prefers to make its home in forests of oak, pine and fir, as well as shrubs. Classified as vulnerable, this population of warbler is threatened by habitat loss due to human development.

The Whistling Duck – Antigua

Restricted to the northern West Indies, the West Indian Whistling-Duck is among the rarest ducks in the Americas and is listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. This regional endemic has a total population of about 15,000 individuals but has suffered significant decline due to habitat loss, invasive mammalian predators and hunting.

The Two Toed Sloth – Costa Rica

Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth, also known as the northern two-toed sloth is a species of sloth from Central and South America. It is a solitary, largely nocturnal and arboreal animal, found in mature and secondary rainforests and deciduous forests. The decline of sloth populations is due to deforestation and urbanization, which have resulted in a multitude of risks for sloths. Due to habitat loss sloths are coming down to the ground more frequently, and are therefore vulnerable to dog attacks, car strikes, and poaching.

The Yellow Headed Parrot – Belize

The Belizean Yellow-headed Parrot has been experiencing severe population declines since at least the mid-1970s when poachers began aggressively pursuing them for the illegal pet trade. The illegal harvest of parrot chicks and habitat loss of open pine savannas has left less than 7,000 YHPs in the wild today according to Bird Life International. Extinction in our lifetime is a real possibility for this species.

The Bahama Warbler – The Bahamas

Only found on the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama, this bird is a habitat specialist, being found almost exclusively in the pine forests of those islands. It is one of the 7 endemic bird species of The Bahamas, meaning it is only found here and nowhere else in the world. Unfortunately, The Bahama Warbler is becoming what we would call a “Climate Change Casualty.” After Hurricane Dorian ravished Abaco and Grand Bahama in 2019, these birds disappeared from Grand Bahama and have not been seen since. This led to the BNT writing to the IUCN to have this bird elevated to an endangered species.

The Coqui Llanero – Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican lowland coquí is the most recently discovered (2005), and it’s one of the smallest tree frogs in the world. Mature llaneros are no wider than a dime and generally yellowish in color, with reversed comma patterns on their sides. Their tiny stature squeezes their vocal range into the highest pitch of almost any frog – just barely audible to human ears. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced in Oct 2012 it would protect the rare, recently discovered Puerto Rican frog, the coquí llanero, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. The protection includes 615 acres of freshwater wetland as critical habitat in northern Puerto Rico.

British Airways and Loganair expand their codeshare, Loganair celebrates 60 years

British Airways and Loganair have today announced a major expansion of their codeshare agreement, offering more choice and connectivity for customers traveling across the UK.

The expansion to 18 new routes will now give British Airways’ customers access to 38 of Loganair’s UK routes, meaning that customers can book onward connections from destinations across the airline’s route network, or point to point travel in the UK more easily through British Airways’ website.

Routes now available to book include:

Aberdeen to Belfast City, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, and Southampton
City of Derry to London and Liverpool
Cornwall Airport Newquay to Manchester
Exeter to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle
Isle of Man to Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester
Inverness to Birmingham
Norwich to Aberdeen and Edinburgh
Teesside to Southampton

British Airways’ customers traveling from Aberdeen or the Isle of Man to Manchester will also now be able to connect onto British Airways’ code share flights on other carriers, including oneworld partners, from the north-west hub. Destinations include New York, Barbados and Orlando, allowing customers to book a single ticket with assured connections.

The news of a codeshare expansion between the two carriers comes as Loganair celebrates its 60th birthday, making it the oldest UK airline still operating under its original name.

Loganair’s history:

Our journey through the years…

On the 1st of February, we marked our 60th anniversary! In 1962, we had just one aircraft – now we have more than 40, going to destinations across Europe, Scandinavia and the British Isles. Our experience is long and our expertise outstanding, so you can expect only the friendliest and most professional service on every journey you make with us. Keep on reading to find out more about our journey!

1962

Loganair’s founder Willie Logan, owner of a construction company, bought air taxi firm Capital Services which he had used to travel the country between building sites. Following the takeover, the renamed Loganair was based in Renfrew with a Piper Aztec as the sole aircraft.

1963

In October, Loganair’s first scheduled flight took off between Dundee and Turnhouse Airport, Edinburgh, to coincide with the requirements of contractors who were working on the Tay Road Bridge. Another service was also set up for the business personnel travelling between the two cities, on an on-demand basis.

1964

Loganair won the contract to deliver newspapers to Stornoway. The Piper Aztec pilot would help unload the papers and reload the aircraft with freight for the return leg, mainly Harris Tweed.

1967

Loganair commenced the Orkney Inter Isles service which connected mainland Kirkwall to the smaller islands. In the same year, a supplementary air ambulance contract was also won.

The Britten Norman Islander aircraft, the latest version of which still operates the Inter-Isles service, was to be key in the Loganair ambulance operation, however the first ambulance flight was operated by Piper Aztec.

1968

In October the capital share of Loganair was acquired by the National Commercial Bank of Scotland, leading to the introduction of mobile banks for islanders on Lewis.

1976

A new airstrip was built on Fair Isle to replace an old strip from World War 2. Loganair flew Shetland ponies to Fair Isle after 80 years of their absence on the island.

1980

Loganair introduced two Embraer 110 aircraft to the fleet. The increased speed, range and passenger comfort allowed Loganair to serve off shore oil companies.

1983

In December, Loganair was acquired by British Midland Airways. Following the partnership, the airline’s route map expanded throughout Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.

1994

Loganair became a British Airways franchise partner. The agreement between the two airlines meant the airline would operate on behalf of British Airways on Loganair’s highland routes and British Airways routes Glasgow to Aberdeen, Glasgow to Sumburgh via Inverness and Kirkwall and Glasgow to Belfast.

1997

Loganair was part of a management buyout led by Chairman Scott Grier. Five Britten- Norman Islanders operated the Shetland and the Orkney Inter-Isle services as Loganair routes. The Twin Otter was introduced on services from Glasgow to Tiree, Barra and Campbeltown.

2004

By this time, Loganair had acquired all the Scottish routes previously operated by British Airways CitiExpress. This meant that Loganair now operated services between; Glasgow – Stornoway, Glasgow – Benbecula, Aberdeen – Sumburgh and Aberdeen – Kirkwall.

2008

The British Airways franchise agreement came to an end and Loganair took this opportunity to enter into a new franchise agreement with Flybe. The long association with British Airways continued though via a codeshare arrangement, with Loganair’s flights marketed as connecting BA flights to London and beyond.

2011

In July, Loganair acquired Cambridge-based Suckling Airways, bringing Dornier 328 aircraft into its fleet. The Dorniers gave operational and commercial options that weren’t available on Saab aircraft due to superior speed and range.

2017

Time for Loganair to fly once again under its own name as the franchise agreement with Flybe ended. The airline started flying “solo” from 1st September 2017. This was the first time in 25 years that Loganair had flown under its own brand, requiring a brand re-launch, new website and reservations systems.

A new identity was inspired by the Scottish tartan pattern that flew with British Airways 20 years ago and the Loganair Tartan is registered as number 11744 in the Scottish Register of Tartans.

2019

The route network has grown with now over 70 routes to and from; Scotland, England, the Channel Islands, Belgium, Isle of Man, Norway, Ireland, Denmark and Germany. New interline arrangements have been agreed with some of the world’s leading airlines to further enhance connectivity for our customers.

Loganair has also introduced Embraer jets to the fleet to enhance the destination offering and improve customer experience.

In 2019, Loganair took the title of SPAA Domestic Airline of the year, voted for by the Scottish Travel Industry.

2020

After the demise of Flybe in March 2020, Loganair took the opportunity to start operating some of Flybe’s former routes expanding the route network and working with new airports such as Newquay, Southampton, Birmingham, Exeter and Belfast City.

This increase in destinations and routes mean that Loganair is now the largest operator of domestic routes in the Uk and also the largest operator at Aberdeen Airport.

A fleet renewal program was put in place replacing Loganair’s Dornier 328’s with ATR 42’s and 72’s increasing the capacity on many of Loganair’s core routes.

2022

Loganair celebrates its 60th anniversary!

In its 60 years, Loganair has grown to be the largest regional airline in the UK, as well as serving multiple international destinations including Denmark and Norway. To mark the occasion, we also strengthened our codeshare relationship with British Airways, enhancing connectivity in the UK and around the world.

Did you know that Loganair is the longest established airline in the UK operating under its original name?

Video:

Top Copyright Photo: Landing on the beach at Barra at low tide: Loganair de Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter G-BVVK (msn 666) BRR (Wingnut). Image: 956641.

Loganair aircraft slide show:

Loganair aircraft photo gallery:

Ethiopian Airlines to fly 737 MAX with passengers for first time since deadly crash

Above Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker.

From Reuters:

“Ethiopian Airlines is due to resume flying the Boeing 737 MAX plane on Tuesday, but opinions are divided on the airline’s first flight using the model since a crash nearly three years ago forced regulators to ground the fleet globally.”

Read the full story:

Ethiopian Airlines to fly 737 MAX with passengers for first time since deadly crash https://t.co/vkdSpX9TwJ pic.twitter.com/CB9LEtx11T

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 1, 2022

UPS Airlines celebrates 34 years today

UPS Airlines made this announcement:

It’s our anniversary! Today we’re celebrating 34 years. We want to give a special shout out to all of our UPS Airlines & Worldport employees. Thanks for 34 great years delivering what matters to our customers.

Alaska Airlines expands its Finnair codeshare

Alaska Airlines has announced today a significant codeshare expansion with European oneworld partner Finnair, the latest in a series of partnership expansions for Alaska since joining the global alliance in March 2021.

Beginning now, Finnair passengers can book connecting flights through Seattle – our hometown airport – to more than 60 destinations throughout Alaska’s network for travel beginning June 1, 2022. The codeshare flights with Alaska will be identified on Finnair’s website and the carrier’s other booking platforms. Finnair’s new nonstop service between Helsinki and Seattle/Tacoma begins June 1 with flights three times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) on the airline’s Airbus A330 aircraft.

Since becoming a oneworld member on March 31, 2021, Alaska has added more than 250 codeshare routes. We’ve implemented new partnerships with member airlines Qatar Airways and Iberia Airlines, and expanded cooperation with existing oneworld partners American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Japan Airlines and Qantas Airways. By this summer, Alaska and these eight oneworld airlines will offer more than 78 daily international flights from Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles, enabling seamless connectivity to Alaska’s comprehensive network up and down the West Coast.

Top Copyright Photo: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-990 ER SSWL N238AK (msn 62681) (Merrier Together – Starbucks) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 956489.

Alaska Airlines aircraft slide show (Boeing):

Alaska Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

ANA reports improved financial conditions

ANA Holdings Inc. today reported its financial results for the nine months ended December 31, 2021.

Overview
In the first nine months of fiscal year 2021 (April 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021; hereinafter the “nine months ended December 31, 2021”), the Japanese economy has slowly recovered, demonstrating signs of recovery in corporate production activities. While the airline industry continues to face difficulties due to the spread of the Omicron variant and continued restrictions on entry and travel in many countries, there are signs of recovery in the increased demand for domestic flights in the United States and other countries.

　Under these economic conditions, the increase in demand for travel in Japan contributed to an operating revenue of 738.0 billion yen for the nine months ended December 31, 2021. This marks an improvement from the same time period for the previous year. The continued impact of COVID-19 resulted in an operating loss of 115.8 billion yen, an ordinary loss of 118.3 billion yen, and a net loss attributable to owners of the parent of 102.8 billion yen. However, ANA HD achieved a positive operating income in the third quarter (October-December), returning to black for the first time in eight quarters.

“Though the entire airline industry has faced continued challenges, I am proud of how ANA Group employees have persevered to help the company continue to meet passenger and cargo needs and maintain global connections at this vital time,” said Ichiro Fukuzawa, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ANA HOLDINGS INC. “We have adjusted our practices, but our commitment to offering unparalleled service and convenience remains unchanged. As the recovery continues, the ANA Group will continue seeking opportunities for growth and expansion with increased profitability.”

Air Transportation
Despite being significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, passenger demand increased from the previous year, and due to proactive efforts to capture the strong cargo demand which resulted in record high revenue, operating revenue exceeded the amount recorded during the same period of the previous year. While ANA HD still recorded an operating loss, reductions in fixed costs (such as personnel costs as well as depreciation, amortization and maintenance costs which were achieved through the execution of structural business reforms) have helped curtail losses and improve profits year-on-year.

1. International Passenger Service (ANA)
- ・International passenger services continued to see reduced demand for travel across all regions due to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, the spread of new variants and continued government travel restrictions. However, revenue and the number of passengers increased year-on-year due to a gradual recovery in business demand, primarily for expatriates traveling between Japan and overseas, as well as demand for connecting flights from Asia to North America and demand for flights home during the New Year holiday. Revenue and number of passengers remained at approximately 10% of pre-COVID levels.
- ・ANA began transferring the operation of several North America routes from Tokyo Haneda to Tokyo Narita airport starting in July to optimize connections from Asia, an example of ANA closely monitoring demand to determine which routes to operate, as well as to offer temporary routes to destinations with seasonal demand and urgent travel needs.

2. Domestic Passenger Service (ANA)
- ・The number of passengers served and revenue both increased compared to the same period during the previous year. While a State of Emergency was repeatedly declared due to a surge in COVID-19 cases during the first half of the fiscal year, a recovery in demand was visible since the declaration was lifted at the end of September and the number of COVID-19 cases remained at a low level. As a result, the number of passengers and revenue in the third quarter (October-December) was the highest on a quarterly basis since the pandemic began and recovered to approximately 50% of pre-COVID levels.
- ・Detailed adjustments to the route network capacity were made in response to fluctuations in demand. In addition, ANA offered additional flights on weekends and holidays from October in order to proactively capture the recovering demand.

3. Cargo Service (ANA)
- ・The continued strong performance in international cargo services can be attributed to robust demand and a shift to air transport as a result of congestion in marine transport. ANA fully utilized freighter aircraft, introducing the Boeing 777F freighter on the Tokyo Narita – Hong Kong and Tokyo Narita – Taipei route in October, as well as on the Tokyo – Qingdao route in November. ANA also actively responded to strong demand by deploying passenger aircraft to fly cargo-dedicated flights and by capturing demand for the transportation of goods such as automotive parts, semiconductors, electronic equipment and vaccines. In the third quarter (October-December), cargo volume greatly exceeded the amount transported during the same period in the previous year, leading to record high in quarterly revenue for the fifth consecutive quarter.

4. LCC (Peach Aviation)
- ・Passenger numbers and revenue increased compared to the same period during the previous year, when demand was more significantly impacted. Domestic passenger volume and revenue for the third quarter (October-December) exceeded pre-COVID levels behind strong demand after the State of Emergency was lifted at the end of September, and another contributing factor was Peach Aviation’s expanded scale of operations.
- ・Peach introduced new routes, Osaka Kansai – Memanbetsu in July, and Fukuoka – Ishigaki in October. Peach will continue to closely monitor signs of recovery in demand to further expand the network. All international routes are currently suspended due to continued immigration restrictions in a number of countries.

5. Others
- ・Other revenue from the Air Transportation business was 96.6 billion yen (down 9.8% year-on-year from 107.1 billion yen). This includes revenue from the mileage program, in-flight sales revenue, revenue from maintenance contracts and other sources.

Airline Related, Travel Services, Trade and Retail, and Others

1. Airline Related
- ・Operating revenue: 149.8 billion yen, down 10.1% year-on-year
- ・Operating income: 2.6 billion yen, up 30.1% year-on-year
- ・Although operating revenue decreased year-on-year as a result of lower handling volumes for systems development due to reduced investment within the ANA Group owing to COVID-19, profit improved as a result of reduction in personnel and outsourcing costs, mainly for ground handling services such as passenger check-in and baggage handling.
- ・In November, the product line-up was expanded to include the popular online in-flight meal sales with the introduction of ANA international business class in-flight meals.
2. Travel Services
- ・Operating revenue: 34.5 billion yen, down 4.4% year-on-year
- ・Operating loss: 0.2 billion yen (operating loss of 4.7 billion yen during the same period a year ago)
- ・For travel services, all overseas tours operated by the ANA Group remain suspended due to the effects of COVID-19 and domestic travel volume decreased compared to the previous year when the “Go To Travel” promotion was in effect. ANA X Inc.’s contract revenue increased as a result of the transferred digital marketing business and other functions within the ANA Group and contributed to the increase in operating revenue and reduced operating losses.
- ・Working to create a “world where people can live on miles,” the ANA Group launched a mobile application service called “ANA Pocket” in December, which allows users to earn points not only for air travel, but also for walking and travel on train as well as other vehicles within Japan that can be converted into ANA miles and other perks.
3. Trade and Retail
- ・Operating revenue: 61.4 billion yen, up 0.7% year-on-year
- ・Operating income: 0.6 billion yen (operating loss of 3.0 billion yen during the same period a year ago)
- ・As aviation demand gradually recovered, sales increased at ANA FESTA shops in airports and the handling volume of semiconductors for electronics businesses increased. Due to the change in accounting standards, the increase in operating revenue was minimal compared to the same period during the previous year.
4. Others
- ・Operating revenue: 27.6 billion yen, up 0.8% year-on-year
- ・Operating income: 1.1 billion yen, up 125.1% year-on-year
- ・While demand for buildings and facilities maintenance decreased due to the impact of COVID-19, increased transactions for the real estate business lead to improved revenue.

Outlook for FY2021 (April 2021 – March 2022)
ANA HD maintains its consolidated financial forecast for FY2021, initially presented on October 29, 2021.

*ANA HD has started to apply the “Accounting Standard for Revenue Recognition” （ASBJ Statement No. 29, March 31, 2020）,” and other accounting standards beginning this fiscal year. Values for the nine months ended December 31, 2021 reflect these new accounting standards. For details, please refer to “ANA HOLDINGS INC. Consolidated Financial Results for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2021” on the ANA Group Investor Relations website

Top Copyright Photo: ANA (All Nippon Airways) Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner JA937A (msn 66524) (Inspiration of Japan) ITM (Akira Uekawa). Image: 956496.

ANA aircraft slide show:

ANA aircraft photo gallery:

Eurowings hires 750 new flight attendants and pilots

Eurowings made this announcement:

Eurowings is preparing for a strong travel season with backlog effects despite the current Omicron wave. Over the next twelve months, Germany’s largest leisure airline will fill around 750 new positions in the cockpits and cabins of its two AOCs, Eurowings Germany and Eurowings Europe. With this, Eurowings is systematically continuing the course it embarked on last year. During the most difficult crisis in air traffic, the airline successfully completed a comprehensive realignment, focusing more strongly on tourist destinations and the growing private travel business. As a result, the Lufthansa subsidiary was one of the very few airlines in Europe to hire staff again as early as 2021 – around 750 new crew members in the cockpit and cabin, including numerous employees from Lufthansa Group airlines who had lost their jobs. Now Eurowings is set to grow further, both nationally and internationally: in 2022, the airline will add around 550 additional flight attendants and 200 pilots at locations throughout Europe. Staffing levels will also be increased in business areas on the ground, for example at Eurowings Technik in Cologne and Düsseldorf, in sales and in the customer experience division.

Strong catch-up effects expected in 2022

Following a winter once again dominated by Covid, the tourism industry expects strong catch-up effects for vacation travel in the 2022 season. As Germany’s largest leisure airline, Eurowings will offer travelers more choice than ever before in its summer flight schedule, with over 140 destinations. The clear front-runner here is Europe’s popular vacation island Mallorca. Eurowings will fly to Mallorca from more than 20 airports up to 380 times a week in the summer of 2022.

Eurowings expands training offers

Training young people continues to be a high priority for Eurowings after two years with the pandemic. At the company’s locations in Cologne and Düsseldorf, ten applicants will start an apprenticeship or dual study program at Eurowings this year. In cooperation with the maintenance and repair company Nayak-LM Germany GmbH training for aircraft mechanics specializing in maintenance will start at Eurowings Technik in Düsseldorf for the first time. In addition to this, training for industrial clerks is also available for the first time in the airline’s technical operations. At the same time, Eurowings is expanding its range of dual-study programs: in addition to the established business informatics course, the airline is also offering dual-study placements in aviation management and applied computer science for the first time.

easyJet launches new recruitment drive for 1,000 pilots

easyJet (UK) made this announcement:

New ad campaign is designed to attract more diverse candidates and challenge stereotypes about becoming an airline pilot

easyJet is re-launching its ‘Generation easyJet Pilot Training’ program for the first time in two years since the start the Covid-19 pandemic
A parent, former gymnast and DJ, who are also real life easyJet pilots, are the stars of a new ad campaign to encourage aspiring pilots to apply
The ads showcase some of the skills needed to become a pilot and challenge stereotypes about the job, to show that they can be found in all walks of life
The airline is recruiting for 1000 cadets over the next five years to train to become pilots and join the airline from 2024 onwards
With still around only 6% of pilots worldwide being women, the airline remains focused on encouraging more women to become a pilot
The new national ad campaign launches today across social media and will also roll-out in Europe

A parent, a former gymnast and DJ are the stars of a new easyJet recruitment campaign, encouraging people from all walks of life to train to become an airline pilot.

For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, easyJet is re-opening its pilot training program with training partner CAE. To support future growth opportunities, the airline is recruiting over 1000 new pilots over the next five years.

The new ad campaign, featuring multi-talented, real-life easyJet pilots, aims to highlight that everyone has the potential to turn their skills and passions towards becoming an airline pilot.

Mother of two, Captain Iris de Kan, is seen in one of the ads with 5-year-old daughter Kiki. The ad serves to communicate that those with incredible multi-tasking skills could make for excellent pilots. While many parents wish they had eyes in the back of their head, it’s a common misconception that 2020 vision is required to become an airline pilot.

Former gymnast and now Senior First Officer with easyJet, Nina Le is featured performing a split leap on the tarmac, showcasing her fantastic reactions and hand-eye coordination – key skills for aspiring pilots.

easyJet Senior First Officer Aaron Moseley, a former resident DJ, transitioned from the club decks to the flight deck by training to become a pilot for easyJet seven years ago. His hands-on practical skills have enabled him to switch records for runways.

The new recruitment ad campaign is part of easyJet’s efforts to find the next generation of easyJet pilots, with a continued focus on encouraging more women to become an airline pilot to address the gender imbalance in the industry.

Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, said:

“We are delighted to be reopening our pilot training program again for the first time since the pandemic hit and will see us recruit over 1000 new pilots in the coming years. easyJet has long championed greater diversity in the flight deck and this series of ads aims to highlight the extraordinary breadth of skills our pilots have and show that pilots can be found in all walks of life, in a bid to attract more diverse candidates.

“We continue to focus on challenging gendered stereotypes of the career having doubled the number of female pilots flying with us in recent years. We also acknowledge that whilst we have made progress, there is still work to do. Increasing diversity in all of its forms in the flight deck is a long-term focus for easyJet and so we will continue to ensure we lead the industry on this issue.”

Captain Iris de Kan said:

“It’s important that girls have visible role models so we can combat job stereotypes and show that anyone with the motivation and passion can turn their skills to being an airline pilot. I love the responsibility and challenge that comes with my job – but it’s not as challenging as juggling the demands of a five-year old and a little baby at home!”

Senior First Officer Aaron Moseley said:

“I’m really proud to be a black man who is also a role model for the next generation. Growing up, I never had the chance to see or know a black airline pilot. I’m proud to be able to go into schools to talk to young people and show that you can develop skills through all kinds of experiences like music and sport that they can channel into becoming a pilot, and have the opportunities to achieve their dreams too.”

And gymnast turned Senior First Officer Nina Le said:

“Combining my love of travel with the practical skills I learnt on the gym floor really does make being a pilot the perfect match! I love my job and would really encourage anyone who loves a challenge – and of course great views – to consider it!”

Since the launch of the airline’s Amy Johnson Initiative in 2015, easyJet has almost doubled the number of female pilots in its ranks. Like many industries, the impact of the pandemic meant that the airline had to pause bringing new recruits onboard.

But now aiming to be back to near pre-pandemic levels this summer and much sooner than industry predictions suggested, easyJet has reopened its pilot training programme to bring 1000 new pilots onboard over the next five years. This will provide an opportunity to encourage even more women to consider the career and join the airline over the coming years. Many newly qualified female pilots are also now set to join the airline in coming months, with flying set to ramp up for the summer and beyond.

The airline continues to showcase inspiring role models like Iris, Nina and Aaron in its recruitment campaigns and get young people thinking about the career through its pilot school visits programme.

Over the last five years easyJet pilots have visited over 500 schools, colleges, and youth groups. Last year, as part of its continued work under its Amy Johnson Initiative, easyJet launched virtual school visits whilst the country was in lockdown meaning that when in person visits haven’t been possible, schools could request a virtual visit from an easyJet pilot to join classrooms via video link, providing young people across the UK with the opportunity to find out what the job of a pilot is really like. Many of the airline’s female pilots have been fronting the visits, aiming to show that it truly can be a job for everyone.

To apply to the Generation easyJet Pilot Training Programme, aspiring pilots will need to be aged 18 or over by the time they begin training and have a minimum of 5 General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) of Grade C or above (or equivalent), including Mathematics, Science and English language – no higher qualifications or degrees are required. The Generation easyJet Pilot Training Programme takes aspiring pilots from little to no flying experience, to operating a commercial passenger jet in around two years with its intensive, industry-leading training course.

The campaign launches from today across easyJet’s social media channels across the UK and Europe.

Aspiring pilots can find out more and apply today via becomeapilot.easyJet.com