As part of an initiative by Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), part of
AZCON Holding, a group of 36 graduates from the National Aviation
Academy (NAA) was sent to Lleida, Spain, on April 25 and 29, 2026,
to participate in an advanced training program. The program aims to
strengthen the professional skills of young specialists and prepare
them to serve as co-pilots in accordance with international
standards.


The graduates will undergo an 18-month theoretical and practical
training program at the Baltic Aviation Academy training center in
Lleida. Upon successful completion of the program, the young pilots
will receive an international certificate issued by the European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).


Baltic Aviation Academy is one of Europe’s leading aviation
training centers and is internationally recognized in pilot
training. The academy utilizes modern training methodologies,
advanced simulation technologies, and engages instructors with
extensive international experience. Its graduates are employed by
leading airlines worldwide. Participants in the program receive
both theoretical and practical training in line with EASA
standards, developing into highly qualified specialists who meet
the demands of the global aviation market.


At the next stage of training, graduates will continue their
education at a training center in Lithuania, where they will
undergo Airbus A320 type rating training and obtain the relevant
certification. Upon completion of all stages of the program, the
pilots will return to Azerbaijan and begin their careers with AZAL
as co-pilots. Currently, an additional 25 pilots are undergoing
training at the Flight Crew Training Center in Gabala, while
another 65 are training at a center in Turkey.







To participate in the program, NAA graduates undergo a rigorous
selection process, including the SkyTest examination conducted by
international experts invited to Azerbaijan. The test assesses
candidates’ psychological resilience and motor skills, with final
selection based on expert evaluations.


In line with AZAL’s long-term development strategy, the airline
is dynamically expanding its fleet. As part of this process,
particular emphasis is placed on increasing the number of local
pilots and training them in accordance with international
standards, ensuring safe and comfortable air travel. By 2032, AZAL
plans to expand its fleet from the current 25 to 50 aircraft and at
least double the number of pilots, which currently stands at
approximately 280. This initiative represents a key component of
the airline’s sustainable development and its investment in human
capital.