Copa Airlines ALAS Academy celebrates 10 years training Panamanian Commercial Pilots
The Latin American Advanced Aviation Academy (ALAS), a non-profit entity supported by Copa Airlines, commemorates a decade of commitment to training young Panamanians with the potential to become commercial pilots. In a significant event held Thursday, ALAS graduated 72 new pilots, expanding Copa’s pilot workforce, benefiting more than 200 graduates in its short history.
“ALAS is the fruit of Copa Airlines’ commitment to contribute to the educational advancement and specialized technical training of local talent. Our focus is on training professional pilots, allowing our graduates, once they pass the certifications required by the authorities, to integrate directly into their careers at Copa, where they will find opportunities for professional development and growth,” said Captain Pedro Herrera, Director of ALAS.
The Academy offers its students the opportunity to pursue a career with the highest international standards and at a cost below the industry average, since its operation is non-profit and subsidized by Copa Airlines. Currently, ALAS has an enrollment of 84 students in the different phases of the career, of which 29% are women, and another 70 pilots are expected to graduate by 2024.
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“Considering the growth projections of the airline industry in Panama, we estimate a need for approximately 180 pilots per year in the next 3 years. For this reason, supporting the training of Panamanian professional pilots of the highest level is of vital importance to us, and we are proud to provide this opportunity at ALAS,” said Captain Bolívar Domínguez González, vice president of flight operations for Copa Airlines.
In 2023, ALAS announced the renewal of its training fleet by acquiring eight new Diamond DA40 aircraft, equipped with modern technology to facilitate the learning process, meeting the highest safety standards. In addition, these aircraft are more efficient and environmentally friendly, consuming up to 50% less fuel than those that will be replaced.
The group of graduates of the last class of ALAS achieved their degree and their dream of becoming pilots thanks to the scholarships granted by Copa Airlines, the Panamanian Union of Commercial Aviators (UNPAC), and scholarships or educational loans from the Institute for the Training and Development of Human Resources (IFARHU). This support is essential for the training of Panamanian talent with the potential to become professional pilots and who did not have the resources to pay for a career.
To apply to ALAS the candidate must be at least 19 years old, be of Panamanian nationality (or naturalized) and have completed high school. In addition, they must be fluent in English and be able to successfully pass the Civil Aeronautical Authority (CAA) tests for the issuance of a 1st class medical certificate and psychological profile.
Recently, ALAS opened a new office located in building 224 of the City of Knowledge, where interested candidates may, by appointment, take the admission tests, attend information sessions, as well as carry out the necessary procedures.
Those young people interested in pursuing a career as professional pilots and training at the Academy, must meet all the requirements and send their documents in the following to reclutamiento@alaspanama.com.
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Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial con 13 años de trayectoria.