Ireland offers English-language EU training with strong Ryanair and Aer Lingus connections. AFTA Cork trained 2,700+ pilots for world airlines. First Ryanair flight school partner. Native English instruction. EU/EASA licenses. Two established academies with proven graduate placement.
Ireland Training Overview
ATPL Cost
€83-85k
Range
Graduates
2700+
At AFTA
Ryanair
100+
AFTA Grads
Duration
18-20
Months
Flight Schools
Irish Flight Training Schools 2026
Atlantic Flight Training Academy
Cork, Ireland
Simtech Aviation
Dublin, Ireland
Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA) ⭐
€85,000 integrated ATPL (18 months). Founded 1995 in Cork. 2,700+ pilots trained. Ryanair's first flight school partner. Also trains for Aer Lingus, Air Astana, Pegasus, Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, British Airways. Fleet: Cessna 172 G1000, Diamond DA42, Piper Seneca, Slingsby Firefly (UPRT). B737-800 NG simulator. MTU partnership offers BSc with training.
National Flight Centre (NFC)
€83,500 integrated ATPL (20 months). Ireland's longest-established academy—since 1977. Dublin area (Weston Airport). Graduates at Aer Lingus as Captains, Training Captains, TREs. 230 hours flight + simulator. 750 hours classroom. All training completed in Ireland.
Ryanair Mentored Programme
AFTA exclusive: Train using Ryanair SOPs from day one. Personal mentoring from Ryanair pilot. Aircraft visits with Ryanair Captain. Fast-track recruitment. Guaranteed final assessment (simulator + HR interview). 100+ graduates now at Ryanair's 89 bases across Europe.
English-Speaking Options
| Country | ATPL | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | €83-85k | Ryanair/Aer Lingus |
| 🇬🇧 UK | £90-130k | British Airways, easyJet |
| 🇲🇹 Malta | €72-75k | Weather + value |