SriLankan ‘Wings’ for cadet pilots

Thursday, 2 February 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SriLankan Airlines latest batch of cadet pilots were awarded their ‘Wings’ when they passed out as Junior First Officers at a recently held ceremony in Katunayake.

The batch of 2010 underwent a stringent one-year training program before qualifying to fly with the national carrier, and obtaining a CAASL license (Civil Aviation Authority) a globally recognised certification.

The nation’s flag carrier recruits two cadet batches each year for training and presently has a total strength of 267 pilots serving in its cadre.

Future trainee pilots with SriLankan will have the advantage of obtaining Flight Simulator experience at the airline’s own Flight Academy, which saw the commissioning of an A320 Full Flight Simulator facility in October last year, thereby granting more affordable and easier access to a hitherto costly training overseas.

With plans for expanding the fleet size to 30 aircraft by 2015, more recruitment will be initiated to meet growing demand with SriLankan gearing to increase its route network to propel the country towards achieving regional aviation hub status.