Ryanair has announced a major new training partnership with Cork-based international flight school, Atlantic Flight Training Academy, to deliver a new mentored pilot programme.

An Tánaiste, simon coveney, officially launched the partnership in Cork, which will ensure Ryanair continues to attract highly trained professional pilots to support its continued growth across Europe, and which will create 50 new jobs.

Coveney said: “Ryanair is one of Ireland’s world class business successes and this announcement confirming the next generation of Ryanair pilots will be trained in Cork is a most welcome one.

“I hope many will be based in Cork when they qualify to fly on the new routes announced from Cork Airport.

“Atlantic Flight Training Academy has also established itself as an industry leader in training and this announcement confirms that. Finally, to the 450 trainees who will launch their careers from here, I wish you every success.”

This new 16-month intensive training programme gives trainee pilots a structured path to achieve their pilot licence and reach a standard where they are ready to join the Ryanair Boeing 737 type-rating programme.

Trainee pilots on the programme will be trained by AFTA instructors using Ryanair procedures as they take their first steps towards becoming Ryanair pilots and over the next five years, up to 450 new pilots from across Europe will be recruited and trained by AFTA in Cork, underlining AFTA’s global position in the pilot training market.

Ryanair chief marketing, Kenny Jacobs, said: “Ryanair is pleased to announce this training partnership with AFTA which has an impressive track record in training top-class pilots to the highest standards.

“We are also launching our Cork summer 2019 schedule, our biggest ever, with 16 routes including four exciting new routes to Budapest, London Luton, Malta and Poznan, further cementing our commitment to Cork and the Munster region.”