SriLankan Airlines hires more cadet pilots

Feb 01, 2012 (LBO) - SriLankan Airlines' latest batch of cadet pilots were awarded their 'wings' when they passed out as Junior First Officers recently at the international airport in Katunayake. "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," the airline said in a statement.

"The batch of 2010 (cadet pilots) underwent a stringent one-year training programme before qualifying to fly with the national carrier," the statement said.

The cadet pilots obtained the CAASL (Civil Aviation Authority) license, a globally recognised certification, the airline said.

The national carrier recruits two cadet batches each year for training and bow has a total strength of 267 pilots.

Future trainee pilots with SriLankan will have the advantage of obtaining Flight Simulator experience at the airlines’ own flight academy, where an A320 Full Flight Simulator facility was commissioned in October 2011.

This will grant "more affordable and easier access to a hitherto costly training overseas," the statement said.