Finnair Signs Pilot Training Agreement with Patria

Finnair and Patria Pilot Training have signed an agreement for the training of new commercial pilots.

According to the agreement, Patria will run a Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) training program for Finnair together with the Finnair Flight Academy.

“Finnair’s accelerated growth strategy and our growing A350 fleet mean that we will need more pilots during the coming years. The MPL training cooperation with Patria will create a new, alternative training path for aspiring pilots,” said Captain Jari Paajanen, Vice President of Finnair Flight Operations. “Together, these will match our recruitment requirements and ensure quality training for those dreaming of a career as a pilot. Our strategy also offers great possibilities to fly with different Airbus aircraft and career opportunities such as becoming a captain or a trainer.”

The first training course will take place at the end of this year, and Finnair aims to have three courses start annually, each lasting for 18 months.

The first part of the course will take place in Patria’s new training center in Tampere-Pirkkala. Patria Pilot Training was previously based out of the Malmi airport.

Those who pass the training course will receive a position from Finnair as an A320 copilot. No aviation experience is required from students to enroll into the program.

“We are very pleased to start training commercial pilots together with Finnair. This is the first MPL training organized in Finland and an essential addition to Patria’s comprehensive pilot training offering. More people will now be able to pursue a career as a pilot,” said Mikko Paronen, Managing Director of Patria Pilot Training. “The new MPL training program is an excellent addition to our training portfolio.”

Finnair Flight Academy will continue to run the Airbus type training at Vantaa. 

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