BAA Training Aviation Academy is one of Europe's largest independent pilot training organisations, headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania. Part of the Avia Solutions Group — the world's largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) provider — BAA Training operates a split-location model with ground school and simulator training in Vilnius and all ab-initio flight training at Lleida-Alguaire in northeastern Spain. Since its founding as flyLAL Training Centre in 2006, the academy has trained thousands of pilots and currently accepts approximately 200 funded cadets annually through its Pilot Runway programme.
BAA Training at a Glance
Integrated ATPL
€75K
Training only
With Type Rating
€95K
Incl. base training
Simulators
4 FFS
B737 + A320
Founded
2006
As flyLAL
School Overview
BAA Training holds EASA ATO approval (LT.ATO.004) and has evolved through several name changes — flyLAL Training Centre (2006), Baltic Aviation Academy (2009), and BAA Training (2015). The school's backing by Avia Solutions Group provides institutional stability and direct connections to airlines operating within the group's network, including Avion Express and SmartLynx.
Key Strengths
- • Backed by Avia Solutions Group (Warsaw Stock Exchange)
- • 4 full flight simulators (B737 CL/NG/MAX, A320)
- • Competitive pricing vs Western European schools
- • MPL training available (from Feb 2025)
- • Multiple cadet program pathways
- • Global operations: Lithuania, Spain, Vietnam, France
Airline Connections
- • Avion Express (ACMI operator, cadet program)
- • Volotea (MPL cadet program)
- • Pilot Runway (200 funded cadets/year)
- • Avia Solutions Group airline network
- • Historical Wizz Air partnership
- • Type rating pathway to employment
Split-Location Model
BAA Training uses a dual-base approach: ground school and simulator sessions in Vilnius, Lithuania, with all flight training at Lleida-Alguaire in Spain. This means students relocate between countries during training. The Spanish base offers excellent flying weather and low-congestion airspace, while the Vilnius headquarters houses four modern full flight simulators.
Training Programs
Integrated ATPL
The integrated ATPL programme takes students from zero experience to frozen ATPL. Ground school theory covers all 14 EASA subjects at the Vilnius campus, while flight training (PPL through CPL/IR/ME) is conducted entirely at the Lleida-Alguaire base in Spain. The programme can be extended with an A320 or B737 type rating and base training for an additional cost, bringing the total to approximately €95,000.
CPL Modular
For students who already hold a PPL or wish to train at their own pace, BAA Training offers a modular CPL route at approximately €72,000–€74,000. This pathway allows more flexibility in scheduling but takes longer to complete than the integrated programme.
MPL (Multi-Crew Pilot Licence)
Since February 2025, BAA Training offers MPL training through its Volotea cadet partnership. MPL is airline-specific training that focuses on multi-crew operations from an early stage, typically leading to direct employment with the sponsoring airline upon graduation.
Costs & Financing
| Programme | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated ATPL | ~€75,000 | Training, exams, flight hours |
| Integrated + Type Rating | ~€95,000 | ATPL + A320/B737 TR + base |
| CPL Modular | €72,000–€74,000 | CPL/IR/ME modules |
Living costs vary by location: Vilnius is one of Europe's more affordable capitals (~€600–€800/month for accommodation and expenses), while Lleida is a small Spanish city with similarly low costs. Budget approximately €10,000–€15,000 for living expenses across the full training duration, depending on lifestyle. Cadet programs through Pilot Runway may include financing options.
Fleet & Simulators
BAA Training's simulator centre in Vilnius houses four full flight simulators: a Boeing 737 Classic, Boeing 737 NG, Boeing 737 MAX, and Airbus A320. These are Level D FFS used for type rating training and airline-standard assessment preparation. The flight training fleet at Lleida consists of single-engine and multi-engine aircraft suitable for PPL through CPL/IR/ME training.
Simulator Advantage
With four current-generation FFS on site, BAA Training students can complete type rating training immediately after their ATPL, without transferring to an external facility. This streamlines the path from zero to type-rated first officer — a significant advantage when applying to airlines that require a type rating before starting line training.
Location & Facilities
The Vilnius headquarters houses classrooms, briefing rooms, and the simulator centre. Lithuania's capital is well connected by budget airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air) to major European cities, making travel practical for international students. The Lleida-Alguaire flying base in Catalonia, Spain, offers excellent VFR weather, low air traffic density, and a modern airport facility opened in 2010. BAA Training also operates training centres in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and Paris (Orly, with CDG expansion under construction).
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the BAA Training website. The selection process typically includes an aptitude assessment, English language evaluation, and interview. For cadet programs (Volotea, Avion Express, Pilot Runway), applications follow the specific airline's cadet selection process, which BAA Training administers on behalf of the partner airline. Intakes run throughout the year, with the main intake periods in spring and autumn.