Out of more than 12,000 applicants to the Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program, only 12 were chosen to be part of the pioneering batch. This history-making group of Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilots is composed of Dexie Jay Aljas, Aaron Jhun Bernabe, Paulo Martin Concepcion, Martha May De Leon, Darryl Dave Ditucalan, Geronimo Miguel Mantes, Lorenzo Miguel Montinola, Rydale Pintor, Ardreen Reguyal, Kayrwin Kirch Remolona, Jose Angelo Santos, and Ian John Satentes.
The Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program is a full-scholarship program that recruits candidates ab initio (as beginners) and puts them on a 56-week integrated flying training, flight theory and education course to become licensed commercial pilots.
Cebu Pacific Vice President for Flight Operations Capt. Sam Avila (eighth from left) and Flight Training Adelaide Director for Operations Capt. Grant Mules (seventh from left) lead the recognition and reception for the pioneer batch of the Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program.
After completing 14 months of training at Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) in Australia in addition to ground school in the Philippines – a total of 466 days of learning, dedication, and hard work – the cadets are on their way to joining Cebu Pacific’s growing corps of aviators. The next steps of their journey will include completing their mandatory training and other local regulatory requirements to earn their commercial license before becoming full-fledged First Officers at Cebu Pacific, flying both domestic and international routes.
Located in Parafield Airport, South Australia, Flight Training Adelaide is a world-class flying school and training facility servicing the fixed wing and rotary wing industries. Over the last 33 years, FTA has provided airline cadet pilot training to airlines worldwide, being the current training provider for Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines, Cathay Dragon, Hong Kong Government Flying Service, TAG Aviation, IndiGo, Vietnam Airlines, QantasLink, Virgin Australia, and now, Cebu Pacific, its latest partner.
Upon arriving from Australia, the cadet pilots were welcomed in their homeland with a reception in Manila. In a video message, Cebu Pacific President and CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei lauded the cadets’ achievements. “To our new cadets, I know it was not an easy journey to become pilots, yet you bravely rose to the challenge. I salute you for all your hard work and dedication. As we have made moments happen for millions of Filipino travelers, we are proud to have helped you achieve your dreams,” he said.
Captain Pol Salvador, Vice President of Flight Operations for Cebgo, also praised the cadets. “This is a memorable milestone in your pilot career… you made us proud. I’m looking forward to flying with you soon.”
Congratulations to the first batch of Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilots!
For more information on the Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot program, click here.
For bookings and inquiries, visit www.cebupacificair.com or call the reservation hotline on : +632 702.0888 (Manila); +633 223.0888 (Cebu); The latest seat sales can be found on Cebu Pacific’s official Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) and Facebook pages.
