Shaping Skies, training the next Generation of Global Pilots

As the aviation industry faces unprecedented growth, the demand for skilled, well-trained pilots has never been higher. At the forefront of addressing this global need is BAA Training, one of the fastest-growing and most comprehensive aviation training academies in the world. With nearly two decades of experience, the institution has evolved far beyond a conventional flight school—offering a full spectrum of training solutions that cater to aspiring pilots, cabin crew, and aviation professionals alike.
Under the leadership of Marijus Ravoitis, CEO of BAA Training, the academy has expanded its global footprint and embraced advanced technologies, international partnerships and region-specific programs to meet the challenges and opportunities of today’s aviation landscape. In this interview, Ravoitis shares insights into what sets the academy apart, how it’s supporting Indian aspirants through customised programs, and why its global facilities are preparing students for success in a rapidly changing industry.
“What we’ve learned over the years,” says Marijus Ravoitis,  “is that it’s imperative to cover all the bases of the pilot career journey.” This insight has fueled the institution’s growth from offering only initial pilot training to becoming a comprehensive academy that provides a wide range of programs. These include Type Rating training and additional specialised courses such as Aviation English, Hour Building, Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC), License Proficiency Check (LPC), Jet Orientation Course (JOC) and Crew Resource Management (CRM).
Not just limited to cockpit training, they also offer Cabin Crew training, making it a holistic hub for aviation education. “We check all the boxes when it comes to aviation training,” he notes.
Their operations are spread across five countries—Lithuania, Spain, France, Vietnam and India—each tailored to specific aspects of aviation training.
He highlights that their Ground School and Simulator Center in Vilnius, Lithuania, currently houses two Airbus A320ceo, one A320ceo/neo, one Boeing 737 NG, and one B737 CL full flight simulators, alongside other flight training devices.
In Spain, the Flight School is based at the Lleida-Alguaire International Airport, which has served as the training base for initial flight operations since 2018. “The location creates an excellent setup for very realistic flight conditions,” he says, adding that the proximity to larger airports makes it ideal for skill development. To meet rising demand, BAA Training has invested in an additional 48 Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft, expected to be delivered by 2026. This will significantly expand the current fleet of 10 C172S aircraft used for initial flight training.
The Spanish facility is also undergoing infrastructure expansion, including a modern on-site student accommodation, currently under construction and set to be completed by Q3 2025. Moreover, the Simulator Center in Barcelona boasts two A320ceo/neo and one B737 MAX full flight simulators.
The Paris Simulator Center in France recently expanded to include a second A320neo simulator, bringing its total to five full flight simulators, including two B737 NG and one B737-400.
Outside Europe, BAA Training has a significant presence in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, which caters to the Asia-Pacific region. The Vietnam facility houses A320ceo, A320neo, and B737 NG full flight simulators.
In India, they operate through three consultancy centers located in Mumbai, Gurugram and Bengaluru. “Here, we provide a lot of information and consult aspiring pilots from India about the opportunities they can discover at the academy and their studies in Europe as future airline pilots,” Ravoitis shares.
With the rising cost of pilot training, concerns are mounting about accessibility, especially in markets like India. “On one hand, it presents financial challenges for aspiring pilots, potentially limiting access to those who can afford the investment. On the other hand, it underscores the growing need for structured financing solutions, scholarships, and airline-sponsored training programs.”
Given the booming aviation sector in India, where increasing air traffic and new airlines are constantly expanding, the demand for skilled pilots remains high. “Airlines and training academies are likely to explore alternative models, such as cadet programs and loan partnerships, to ensure a steady pipeline of trained professionals,” he adds.
To make aviation careers more accessible, they have introduced the Indian Cadet Program, a dedicated initiative tailored for the Indian market. “It’s specially designed to assist aspiring Indian pilots in achieving their dreams of becoming commercial pilots,” he explains.
This program is eligible for up to 100% financing of the training cost through several local banks and NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies). “Once a student passes their entry exam, they are eligible to apply for a loan to cover the training costs,” he adds.
With three active batches of Indian students and more scheduled to begin in June and September, the program is steadily gaining momentum. “It’s a good indicator of the growing popularity of the program,” Ravoitis notes.
As India is poised to become the third-largest air passenger market, BAA Training is aligning its efforts to support the country’s growth trajectory. “The Indian Cadet Program is what we are promoting in India because it responds to the specific needs of the home market,” Ravoitis explains.
While they have quickly expanded its consultancy footprint in India, with three centers in a short span, the focus remains on delivering world-class training in Europe. “Currently, we do not see a very specific need to expand our training facilities in India, but never say never,” he remarks, leaving the door open for future developments.
With over 100 airline partnerships worldwide, BAA Training ensures that students are not just trained but also well-prepared for employment. “We combine rigorous training with direct airline partnerships,” says Ravoitis. The academy adheres to international aviation standards, and training is conducted using modern simulators and experienced instructors to ensure real-world readiness.
Moreover, career support services, including interview preparation and soft skills development, help graduates make a smooth transition into airline roles.
They are also embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance training outcomes. “Advanced technology, including virtual reality, does play a steadily growing role in our pilot training,” Ravoitis says. VR is particularly effective in initial pilot training, offering an immersive environment for practicing cockpit operations, emergency procedures and flight scenarios in a realistic yet controlled setup.
“These technologies complement traditional training methods and ensure that pilots-in-training develop the necessary competencies for certain training stages. As the aviation industry evolves, integrating such advancements helps maintain high training standards and better prepare pilots for real-world operations.”