ESMA Airways Aviation announces Airline Pilot Foundation Program for Morocco

Forum International de l’Etudiant was the place where ESMA Airways Aviation, boasting a 45-year history in pilot training, announced the launch of its Pilot Foundation Program in Casablanca. This initiative, the first of its kind in North Africa, marks a significant milestone in global aviation education and is projected to start on June 10, 2024, at La Capital Centre on Boulevard Abdelmoumen, one of the main arteries of the city. ESMA Airways Aviation - France is one of only three European pilot training academies approved by Royal Air Maroc, having trained hundreds of Moroccan pilots over the years. 

Romy Hawatt, Founder & Chairman of the ESMA Airways Aviation Group, commented: “Morocco is a strategic location that bridges Africa and Europe and plays a pivotal role in socio-economic development of the country. We are excited to be able to help start and participate in the journey create the next generation of aviation professionals from Casablanca. We see opening here as an investment into the future of aviation in Morocco.” 

Alexandre Alves, CCO and COO of the ESMA Airways Aviation Group, said: "We believe that our unique Foundation program will set a new standard in supporting aviation training from grass roots through to the professional level and help address the urgent global need for qualified Pilots, Cabin Crew and other aviation professionals.”

The bespoke Foundation Program is designed to assess, select, and equip aspiring aviation students at the early stages of earning their EASA Air Transport Pilot License. It addresses the critical need for well-trained pilots, anticipated due to independent forecasts of a severe pilot shortage and growing accessibility of air travel including Morocco’s middle class expands globally and air travel becomes more accessible to the masses.

Students will benefit from a curriculum developed and delivered by industry professionals that provides a comprehensive introduction to both the theoretical and practical aspects of aviation. The program aims to prepare students thoroughly before they advance to commercial theory and full flight training phases at the ESMA Airways Aviation Academy in Montpellier, France.In addition to pilot training, ESMA Airways Aviation also offers a path to a Bachelor’s Degree in Business in collaboration with Montpellier Business School, providing dual qualifications—an EASA fATPL and a Bachelor's Degree in Business—upon completion of studies in France.

With over 45 years of international experience and educational sites across Europe, the Middle East, and Australia, Dubai-headquartered Airways Aviation is recognized as the largest privately-owned multidisciplinary aviation academy globally. Our comprehensive education and training programs combine practical and theoretical techniques to meet the increasing demand for skilled aviation professionals certified by EASA, CASA, ICAO, and IATA.

The Airways Aviation Group has trained over 9,000 commercial pilots and graduated more than 25,000 cabin crew, ground handling, and maintenance professionals. It also maintains a diverse fleet of over 70 aircraft, including Europe’s largest fleet of Diamond DA40 and Diamond DA42, along with various Cessna and Piper models equipped with advanced avionic systems.