Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Jota Aviation launch pilot cadet programme

Southend Airport based Jota Aviation has become the latest airline to launch a pilot cadet programme which offers talented newly qualified pilots the opportunity to fulfil their dream of becoming a commercial airline pilots.

Typically, a pilot can expect to pay for the cost of a type rating before flying for a commercial airline and the huge expense is often prohibitive. In an industry now struggling with a shortage of existing pilots combined with a maturing workforce, airlines have recognised the need to develop young individuals by offering incentives and both funded and self-funded pilot schemes.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250

The essential entry requirement for the programme meant only candidates with a valid frozen ATPL licence, a valid ME Instrument Ratings and current class 1 medical certificates were eligible to apply. Most applicants had low flying hours, which is often the case for new pilots and can make it challenging to secure their first flying job.  Over a three-month period, Jota Aviation interviewed candidates for the programme with the ultimate goal of becoming a type-rated First Officer flying its fleet of Avro RJ aircraft. Of the many candidates interviewed, three cadets were carefully selected for the course which started in December 2018. 

The cadets undertook an extensive training programme which consisted of ground training, emergency and safety training, examinations and simulator assessments before they were finally issued an AVRO RJ type rating and ready to fly for Jota Aviation as First Officers.

Head of Training for Jota Aviation, Steve Speight said: “I have experienced the great success of cadet programmes over many years and the current crop of pilots have performed very well during training and show great promise. This is an outstanding opportunity for young pilots to fly a demanding aircraft in varied and exciting environments and I look forward to further cadet recruitment.”

Charter Airline, Jota Aviation now employs over 120 people at its London Southend Airport Facilities and has an excellent track record for developing its workforce through on the job training and support programmes.

Advertisement
ODU RT


For further information:
recruitment@jotaaviation.com

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
WHIS presented with King’s Award for Enterprise

Aerospace Security Events

WHIS presented with King’s Award for Enterprise

21 November 2025

Somerset based specialist in safety-critical embedded software, WITTENSTEIN high integrity systems (WHIS), has been officially presented with the King's Award for Enterprise for International Trade in a ceremony at its Long Ashton headquarters.

IAG Cargo launches 2026 Graduate Programme

Aerospace

IAG Cargo launches 2026 Graduate Programme

21 November 2025

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has announced that applications for its 2026 Graduate Programme are now open.

Britten-Norman and WMS demo remote 5G connectivity

Aerospace Security

Britten-Norman and WMS demo remote 5G connectivity

21 November 2025

Britten-Norman is working with World Mobile Stratospheric (WMS) to demonstrate a pioneering airborne 5G communication system using a BN2T-4S Islander aircraft.

Smiths Detection

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection's IONSCAN 600 achieves ECAC/EU G1 approval

20 November 2025

Smiths Detection today announced that its IONSCAN 600 explosives trace detector (ETD) has achieved ECAC/EU G1 approval, ensuring that all ECAC-approved units equipped with the new Control Parameter (CP) set are fully compliant with the latest G1 standards for passengers/cargo.

Advertisement
ODU RT
APM survey finds AI driving UK manufacturers

Aerospace Defence

APM survey finds AI driving UK manufacturers' productivity

20 November 2025

UK manufacturers using Artificial Intelligence (AI) are seeing tangible benefits, including a positive impact on productivity and increases in profitability, according to new research.

Emirates to perform engine MRO on its A380s

Aerospace Events

Emirates to perform engine MRO on its A380s

20 November 2025

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Emirates and Rolls-Royce today at the Dubai Airshow 2025, Emirates will perform Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) for the Trent 900 engines powering its own A380 fleet from 2027.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250