More local pilots for SriLankan Airlines

NEW RECRUITS: SriLankan Airlines has recruited a steady stream of new local pilots into its Cadet Pilot and Junior First Officer training programmes providing opportunities for young Sri Lankan men and women to embark on careers in commercial flying.

More than 60 Sri Lankans have been recruited over the last six years, and are now First Officers or Junior First Officers with the National Carrier, occupying the traditional 'co-pilot' seat in aircraft. They include one female Junior First Officer who is the second female pilot in the country's history, and another female Cadet Pilot as well as five former pilots of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

"The airline has expanded its Cadet Pilot training programme as there is a growing demand for more pilots, with SriLankan continuing to expand its network, Chief Technical Officer at SriLankan Capt. Richard Hutton, said. SriLankan's pilots have built a strong reputation for excellence over more than a quarter-century of flying.

Their efficiency contributed towards SriLankan receiving the award for 'World's Most Efficient Operator of Airbus A330s (small fleet category)' from Airbus Industry.

Each group of cadet pilots went through a rigorous selection process, before being accepted. Many had spent years pursuing their dream of becoming airline pilots. "Those who are selected undergo a full training programme through the Flight Operations Department and Technical Training School, which includes classroom sessions, hands-on technical sessions at the Engineering Department and other departments, flying training, and simulator programmes that are conducted in Dubai or Singapore," Senior Manager Flight Operations Captain Milinda Ratnayaka, said.

The programme is providing excellent career opportunities for SriLankan's own staff to embark on prestigious and rewarding careers as pilots, as the airline encourages staff to apply.

Eight of the cadet pilots have been from departments ranging from inflight services to aircraft maintenance. "This is part of our policy of providing maximum career opportunities for our existing staff in all departments, before recruiting external applicants," said Sunil Dissanayake, Head of Human Resources at SriLankan.