Spirit Airlines and CAE have jointly announced the launch of the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program with an aim to expand the Spirit Airlines’ pool of highly skilled, professional pilots.
Spirit Airlines, a major American ultra-low-cost carrier and CAE, a Canadian manufacturer of simulation technologies, and a provider of training services to airlines and aircraft manufacturers, have jointly announced the launch of the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program. The joint pilot training program aims to expand the Spirit Airlines’ pool of highly skilled, professional pilots. The program will be conducted at CAE’s flight academy in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. with an aim to put graduates on the fast track to a successful career as a Spirit Airlines Pilot.
“CAE is a great partner for us because of their commitment to safety and operational excellence, and also their dedication to finding solutions for student training needs,” said Ryan Rodosta, Senior Director of Flight Operations and System Chief Pilot, Spirit Airlines. “At Spirit, we recognize Pilots are at the core of an airline. We have one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the industry, and we fly to world-class destinations. We’re growing fast and creating tremendous career-progression opportunities,” he further added.
Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway is designed to mentor future Spirit First Officers as they progress through their path to the flight deck. Candidates are allowed to apply for the program upon successful completion of their flight training at CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy and achieving approximately 500 hours of total flight time. If successful in Spirit’s interview process, they will receive a Conditional Offer of Employment (COE), a Spirit Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and will be mentored as they work toward completing the minimum hours required for an ATP certificate.
“This new program will ensure Spirit Airlines has a pipeline of qualified pilots as they expand their fleet and route network,” said Nick Leontidis, CAE’s Group President, Civil Aviation. “CAE and Spirit Airlines share an unwavering commitment to safety, and the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway will give cadets an immersive training experience that will equip them with the skills and confidence to begin a successful career flying with Spirit Airlines,” he further added.
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Spirit is rapidly expanding its footprint with new stations starting operations across the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. Spirit also plans to accept 24 brand new commercial aircraft in 2022, bringing its fleet total to 197 aircraft and 33 more new planes are planned for delivery in 2023.According to Spirit, the airline’s growth provides First Officers with opportunities to quickly upgrade to Captain and fly some of the newest aircraft in the industry.
