Copa Airlines presents 2nd edition of “LIFT” development program for Panamanian commercial pilots
Copa Airlines presented the second edition of the “LIFT” pilot development and leveling program, which provides the opportunity for young Panamanian pilots who meet the requirements but have not reached the minimum standard of experience to join the airline, to be trained in the competencies required to begin their training process as Boeing 737 first officers.
“It is essential for Copa Airlines to meet its growing demand for pilots with as many qualified Panamanian professionals as possible, with the highest international standards required by the airline and the competent authorities. The LIFT program joins initiatives such as our Latin American Advanced Aviation Academy (ALAS), which respond to the growing need to support Panamanian talent to reach the level required by Copa and thus provide greater opportunities for young professionals in our country. We estimate that by the end of 2024 we will be hiring approximately 180 commercial pilots, a figure that is subject to growth plans,” said Captain Bolívar Domínguez González, vice president of flight operations for Copa Airlines.
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The “LIFT” program is endorsed by the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (MITRADEL) and will be implemented by the Latin American Higher Aviation Academy (ALAS), a school supported by Copa Airlines, at no cost to the participant. It has two phases, the first consists of a theoretical training which will last 100 hours to be completed in a period of 4 weeks, the second consists of a technical training, with a duration of 23 hours to be completed in a period of 2 weeks, in high performance flight simulators.
In the second edition, more than 160 pilots participated in the informative meeting and received information on the program’s selection process, which consists of several stages in which face-to-face tests are applied to validate the knowledge, skills and aptitudes of the applicants. The selection is by stages, and in order to pass to the next phase, the applicant has to successfully pass the previously applied test.
To enter the program, applicants must meet the following requirements: Panamanian nationality (or naturalized), be over 21 years of age, have a minimum of 250 to 349 flight hours, English proficiency minimum ICAO 5, Panamanian commercial pilot’s license with multi-engine rating, and comply with the selection process.
Upon completion of the program, the aspiring pilots are expected to meet the requirements to enter the Boeing 737 first officer training course. After passing the necessary certifications, they will become part of the Copa Airlines pilot team. Currently, more than 20 pilots who participated in the 1st edition of the program are already part of the airline’s staff.
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