With potential flightcrew shortages ahead, SriLankan Airlines is expanding its pilot recruitment and training programmes
SriLankan Airlines is investing in graduate and cadet pilot recruitment in a bid to stave off threatened pilot shortages. A new first officer recruitment drive is also likely in the future.
Operating since 2001, the airline’s cadet pilot scheme is expanding. Three batches of six to eight people are usually recruited each year. However, there were 15 in the last group.
The comprehensive one-and-a-half year training programme includes cross-functional training in the engineering department, giving the cadet the opportunity to become familiar with jet aircraft. Afterwards they spend three months in classroom training at ground school where they are taught a range of subjects relating to civil aviation and SriLankan Airlines flying regulations.
The cadets spend nearly two weeks in a cockpit-like environment at flight operations. Then they are sent to Singapore and Dubai for simulator training. On their return, they begin line and base training on aircraft, before undergoing final checks and receiving their wings.
The airline also encourages staff working in other areas such as cabin crew, engineering or HR, who have harboured dreams of becoming airline pilots, to join the cadet pilot programme. A recent batch of eight cadet pilots included six who were with the company in other positions.
“This is definitely something we encourage,” says Shevanthi Kana-ganayagam, senior HR recruitment executive for SriLankan. “It is a good feeling to think that people have taken the initiative and time to go through all the courses they need to do and want to stay with us. It’s very encouraging for management.”
A new first officer recruitment programme is also planned, aimed at Sri Lankan nationals working as first officers at other airlines.
“This is aimed at people with more flying hours than our cadet pilots, but maybe not sufficient to be captains,” says Kanaganayagam. “We are trying to come up with more ways to attract people, due to the dearth of pilots – a crisis a lot of airlines are facing.”
There is also a drive to recruit graduates for back-room roles, such as HR, finance and other management-type functions. Each graduate trainee programme normally receives more than 2,000 applicants. The process includes a one-on-one interview, a trip to an assessment centre, intelligence and perception tests, and presentations.
The one-year programme consists of on-the-job training, cross functional and external training. Once the graduates start work, SriLankan operates a mentoring and buddy programme to help them settle in. See www.srilankan.aero.
flight.workingweek@rbi.co.uk
Source: Flight International
