Ita Airways launches its first pilot training course: minimum age 17
Selection process begins in July, with courses starting in October: programme for 280 pilots
Start training to become a pilot at the age of 17. This is the minimum age required to take part in the selection process for the ‘Multi-pilot Licence’ (MPL) courses offered by ITA Airways has organised for the first time since it began operations in 2021: the aim is to train around 280 pilots over the next four years, with courses lasting 21 months.
Courses starting in October
The selection process for candidates will begin in July, whilst the first courses will start in October. To take part in the selection process, you must – as mentioned – be at least 17 years old, hold a secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent qualification, and have an excellent command of spoken and written Italian and English. You will also be required to provide a Dlr certificate (certificate of psychological and aptitude suitability). The programme is aimed at candidates with no previous flying experience or with limited experience.
Driver training
The MPL is an advanced, internationally recognised aviation licence, designed to train pilots to serve as co-pilots on multi-crew commercial aircraft. Ita Airways (a company in which the Ministry of Economy and Finance holds a 59 per cent stake and Lufthansa a 41 per cent stake, with Lufthansa’s stake set to increase to 90 per cent in the first quarter of 2027), is currently the only airline in Italia certified to run MPL courses, and will manage the selection and recruitment of candidates through specialised teams, drawing on a highly qualified training centre.
