Progression plan for local pilots developed

A career progression plan to facilitate pilots has been put together by Fiji Airways and Fiji Link.

Fiji Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Stefan Pichler said the plan has been carefully designed taking into consideration the current and future pilot requirements for both airlines, while enabling Fijian pilots to have a career at home.

Pichler said the plan which starts in January 2015 will see the first of 20 pilots currently flying for Fiji Link transfer to Fiji Airways as First Officers on Boeing 737 and Airbus A330 aircraft and will continue their flying career through to eventual Command (Captain) status.

He said after these 20 pilots have made the transition, which will take place over two years, the remaining Fiji Link pilots who have the necessary qualifications will begin to transfer gradually to Fiji Airways as requirements dictate.

Pichler added this is part of their Five Year Master Plan to have a pilot localisation policy in place.