airBaltic

airBaltic is the flag carrier of Latvia, based in Riga with additional bases in Tallinn and Vilnius, and was the world's first operator to fly an all-Airbus A220 fleet. Beyond its own Baltic and European network, it is a significant wet-lease provider to other European airlines, and it operates as a hybrid carrier outside the global alliances.

Flying for airBaltic

airBaltic trains much of its own pilot supply through the airBaltic Pilot Academy in Riga, whose integrated ATPL course leads graduates toward a First Officer position on the A220; intakes run periodically depending on the airline's demand, with applications opening and closing as future course plans are reviewed. The airline also recruits type-rated and experienced direct-entry pilots for its growing fleet.

Academy and pilot selection combine computer-based aptitude and psychometric testing with maths and physics screening, interviews and skills assessment. Because the aptitude stage decides who progresses to the interview rounds, practising cognitive and aptitude tests before an application window opens is one of the best investments a candidate can make.