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Wizz Air Launches Pilot Academy In Cyprus, Pioneering A New Path For Aspiring Aviators

Wizz Air has unveiled its latest initiative in Cyprus with the launch of the Wizz Air Pilot Academy. This strategic programme establishes a direct, airline-affiliated route for emerging pilots, offering structured, cost-effective training designed to deliver qualified First Officers in roughly two years.

Connecting Training with Operational Excellence

The Wizz Air Pilot Academy integrates rigorous pilot training with the airline’s established operational framework. Trainees begin their journey at partner flight school Wizz Air‘s facility, Trener Kft in Nyíregyháza, Hungary, before advancing to specialized corporate training at one of the airline’s bases. The programme’s seamless connection to Wizz Air operations ensures that participants receive continuous supervision and hands-on experience throughout their training.

Accessible Entry and Clear Career Trajectory

Targeted at candidates aged 18 and above with a high school diploma, a strong command of English, and proficiency in mathematics and physics, the academy offers a compelling opportunity to build a robust aviation career. The programme’s financial model is designed to ease the initial cost burden; candidates pay a modest upfront fee with the balance recouped through salary deductions over five years once employed by Wizz Air.

Engagement Events and Localized Opportunities

To mark the launch, Wizz Air is hosting an Open Day on January 25 at the Sunhall Hotel in Larnaca from 16:00 to 20:00. This event will provide prospective candidates and their families with direct access to Wizz Air representatives, detailed guidance on the application process, and an in-depth look at the programme requirements. Future open days are planned to ensure ample opportunities for interested applicants.

Commitment to Building a Sustainable Aviation Pipeline

Corporate Communication Manager Olivia Harangozo emphasized that Cyprus is home to an ambitious pool of talent. By offering localized, airline-led training, Wizz Air is investing significantly in the future of the region’s aviation industry. With over 185 pilots trained since its inception in 2017 and more than 90 candidates currently enrolled, the academy has rapidly become a cornerstone of Wizz Air’s long-term strategy to nurture future talent and ensure a sustainable pilot pipeline.

With its pioneering approach and commitment to excellence, the Wizz Air Pilot Academy represents a transformative step in aviation training, reinforcing Wizz Air’s position as a leader in the industry and a forward-thinking driver of career development.

Cyprus Clears €6 Million AI Initiative To Give Local Businesses Free Advisory Support

Cyprus has cleared a €6 million artificial intelligence initiative aimed at helping businesses, public sector bodies and researchers access advanced AI infrastructure after the project received approval under European Union state aid rules.

State Aid Approval

State Aid Control Commissioner Stella Michaelidou ruled on July 17 that the funding scheme for the Cyprus AI Factory Antenna Pharos-CY complies with EU state aid rules, clearing the way for its implementation.

The programme will be managed by the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy.

Support For Businesses And Researchers

Small and medium-sized enterprises will be the main beneficiaries of the programme. Large companies, semi-government organisations and government departments may also receive support under EU de minimis rules or through measures that do not constitute state aid.

Pharos-CY aims to support the development and adoption of artificial intelligence applications in areas including healthcare, sustainability, culture and language.

Access To AI Infrastructure

Working with Greece’s AI Factory Pharos and the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, the initiative will provide start-ups, SMEs, public sector organisations and researchers with access to AI tools, curated datasets and high-performance computing resources, including the Daedalus supercomputer.

The programme will also offer advisory services, secure data environments and specialised AI tools tailored to Cyprus’ priorities.

€6 Million Budget

The project has a budget of €6 million, with €3 million funded by the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy and the remaining €3 million provided through Horizon Europe.

The programme will run until March 31, 2029. It was approved by the Council of Ministers in June 2025 and will take effect once the agreement between the Deputy Ministry and AI Factory Antenna Pharos-CY is signed.

Michaelidou said the scheme is compatible with Regulation (EU) No. 651/2014, specifically Article 28 governing innovation aid for SMEs.

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