At the initiative of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), one of the AZCON Holding companies, a group of 36 graduates from the National Aviation Academy (NAA) was sent to Lleida, Spain, on April 25 and 29, 2026, to participate in a professional development training program. The goal of the program is to strengthen the professional training of young graduates and prepare them as co-pilots in accordance with international standards.
According to information provided by AZAL to elchi, the graduates will be involved in an 18-month theoretical and practical training program at the Baltic Aviation Academy’s training center in Lleida. Young pilots who successfully complete the program will receive an international certificate issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
As one of Europe’s leading aviation training centers, the Baltic Aviation Academy is internationally recognized in the field of pilot training. Graduates studying at the academy, which stands out for its modern teaching methodology, advanced simulator technologies, and experienced international instructor staff, work as pilots in various prestigious airlines around the world. By acquiring theoretical and practical knowledge in accordance with EASA standards, the training participants are formed as highly qualified specialists who meet the requirements of the international aviation market.
In the next stage of the training, the graduates will undergo preparation for the Airbus A320 aircraft at a training center located in Lithuania and obtain a type rating certificate. Pilots who successfully complete all stages will return to Azerbaijan and begin working as co-pilots at AZAL. Currently, an additional 25 pilots are participating in training programs at the Flight Crew Training Center in Gabala, and 65 pilots are training at a center in Turkey.
NAA graduates participate in the “SkyTest” examination conducted by international experts invited to Azerbaijan during the selection phase of this program. The exam aims to assess the psychological readiness and motor skills of the candidates, and the final selection is carried out based on the expert opinions of “SkyTest”.
It should be noted that in line with AZAL’s long-term development strategy, the airline’s fleet is being dynamically expanded. Within the framework of this process, the national air carrier attaches special importance to increasing the number of local flight crews and training them according to international standards in order to provide passengers with a safe and comfortable travel experience. By 2032, it is planned to expand AZAL’s current fleet of 25 aircraft to 50, and to at least double the number of pilots, which is currently around 280. This is an important part of the airline’s sustainable development and investment in human capital.