The Antanas Gustaitis Aviation Institute of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU) has signed a cooperation agreement with the leisure carrier “Small Planet Airlines”. The company, having announced this year about its development and the need for aviation specialists, has contributed nearly 29,000 euros to practical training of young aircraft pilots.
The cooperation between VGTU and the private airline company will open up opportunities for students to deepen their knowledge at the lectures given by the company specialists and to try modern equipment. “Small Planet Airlines” has taken a decision to deliver the Airbus and Boeing aircraft parts and components over to the University for using them both for scientific research and practical training.
'A private business initiative is very important to students. The cooperation and support given improve conditions for practical training of pilots and other aviation specialists, and the involvement of business people into the process helps students to adapt to a labour market much quicker, and shorten their way from a university auditorium to a position in the field of aviation that corresponds to the level of qualification acquired during their studies ,' said Director of the Antanas Gustaitis Aviation Institute of VGTU Jonas Stankūnas.
According to the agreement, specialists of “Small Planet Airlines” will get involved into the study and scientific research processes: they will give lectures, participate at the defence of final theses, offer work placements, provide scientific research or experiment topics, advise students on different study modules. The company representatives also support the initiative of the Antanas Gustaitis Aviation Institute of VGTU to launch a new Master‘s degree study programme in Aviation Management. Those with a degree in aviation will have an opportunity to acquire knowledge in management through this 1.5-year study programme, with their range of career options becoming wider.
'It is very important that aviation students could see their career prospects in Lithuania – the business of aviation in the country has just been growing. Through our support to the Antanas Gustaitis Aviation Institute we seek that future prospects could be seen by young aviators already during their study period, and that they could also be introduced to the practical side of aviation business. We hope that this cooperation will bring about new ideas and their realisation that will contribute to the growth of aviation business in Lithuania,' said Director of “Small Planet Airlines” Vytautas Kaikaris.
V. Kaikaris also noted that the need for aviation specialists in “Small Planet Airlines” has been rapidly growing due to the company growth. This year, the leisure carrier is planning to increase its fleet up to eighteen aeroplanes, and employ 81 pilot, 222 flight attendants and 37 people as administrative staff.
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