Review Summary
- Reputation: Established 2006, ranked Europe's Top 5 flight schools, 2,700+ pilots trained from 61 countries, 19 years excellence
- Facilities: Two bases (Kavala International Airport and Lydia Aerodrome), 30+ Diamond aircraft, 6 FNPT II simulators, 2,500 sqm facilities
- Location: Kavala, Greece - 325+ flying days annually, Mediterranean climate, safe city, affordable living
- Airline Partnerships: Wizz Air exclusive partner (100+ cadets/year), Aegean Airlines, Iraqi Airways exclusive, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Olympic Air
- Overall Rating: 4.8/5 - Outstanding airline-focused training, exceptional weather, strong partnerships, 95% employment rate
Egnatia Aviation Overview
Egnatia Aviation is one of Europe's top 5 flight training organizations, established in 2006 in Kavala, Greece. The academy has trained over 2,700 pilots from 61 countries who now work for more than 61 different airlines worldwide. With a 95% employment rate within 12 months of graduation and strong partnerships with major airlines including Wizz Air, Aegean Airlines, and Iraqi Airways, Egnatia Aviation has established itself as a premier airline-focused training provider.
The school operates from two bases: Kavala International Airport (main theoretical and flight training center) and Lydia Aerodrome (dedicated general aviation airport for flight operations). With 30+ modern Diamond aircraft, 6 FNPT II Alsim simulators, and 42 international instructors, Egnatia Aviation provides comprehensive airline-oriented training. The academy records over 20,000 flight hours annually and 12,000+ flights from Lydia Aerodrome, making it the largest flight training organization in Greece.
Greece's exceptional weather conditions with 325+ flying days per year, combined with Egnatia's airline-tailored training methodology mirroring actual airline procedures and SOPs, prepares students specifically for commercial airline operations. The school holds EASA, UAE GCAA, and Qatar CAA certifications, demonstrating international recognition. Egnatia Aviation's philosophy focuses on creating airline-ready pilots through competency-based training and emphasis on both technical and non-technical skills.
Training Programs Offered
Airline Integrated Programme (AIP)
Zero to Airline Ready
Program Details
Best For: Students seeking airline career with fastest path using competency-based training. Mirrors actual airline procedures from day one. Strong pathways to Wizz Air, Aegean Airlines, and major carriers. Airline-tailored approach differentiates from generic flight training.
Modular Training Courses
Flexible Build-Your-Own Path
Course Options
Advanced Airline Courses
Airline Entry Preparation
Airline Preparation
BSc Aviation Management
Academic Degree with Pilot Training
Academic Program
Wizz Air Partnership & Training Programs
Exclusive Training Partnership
Egnatia Aviation has a long-term strategic agreement with Wizz Air as one of their preferred training partners in Europe. The school trains 100+ Wizz Air cadets annually from various European countries through the Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) program. This partnership provides direct pathway to First Officer position at one of Europe's fastest-growing low-cost carriers.
Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) at Egnatia
- Ab-initio program €61,460 total with flexible payment structure
- €13,950 initial payment covers first 5 months training
- Remainder paid in monthly installments after becoming Wizz Air First Officer
- €5,000 loyalty bonus waived if completing 5 years with Wizz Air
- Training conducted to Wizz Air standards and procedures
- Direct path to First Officer employment upon successful completion
WAPA Success & Benefits
- 20-25 cadets per intake, multiple batches throughout year
- Airline-specific training from day one mirrors Wizz Air operations
- Monthly payment schedule €520 (months 1-30), €897 (31-60), €1,000 (61-65)
- Training agreement and suretyship contract required
- Graduates report "higher than standard" performance in Wizz Air type rating
- Strong track record of WAPA graduates succeeding at Wizz Air
Learn More: For complete details about the Wizz Air Pilot Academy program, training structure, costs, payment plans, and application process, visit our comprehensive Wizz Air Pilot Academy Guide with full program information and student testimonials.
Graduate Testimonial - Wizz Air First Officer
"My name is Milea Nikolaos, 23 years old and I was part of Wizz Air Pilot Academy in Egnatia Aviation Flight school and currently I am First Officer in Wizz Air at OTP base. Egnatia Aviation in my opinion is one of the best flight schools in Europe because it is oriented for the airliners and is teaching cadets according to very clear SOPs. This step is really important because the next step is to enter a big airline and he will do his job ONLY according to company SOP."
"When I started the type rating with Wizz Air, every time I was subjected to grades 'HIGHER THAN STANDARD' and instructors were telling me I don't look like cadet level pilot. It is simply because of very high standard training which implemented very good 'AVIATE' part and large perspective for 'SITUATIONAL AWARENESS'. This should be the way of teaching how to fly SAFELY and how to think one step ahead."
Complete Cost Analysis
Airline Integrated Programme Cost Breakdown
Living Expenses (Monthly)
Additional One-Time Costs
Total Investment: €80,000-€95,000 including 14-18 months living expenses and all training. Transparent all-inclusive pricing with no hidden costs. Significantly lower than UK/Germany (€120,000-€150,000) while providing superior airline-focused training. Accommodation and catering services available at competitive prices through school arrangements.
Facilities and Fleet
Training Facilities
- Kavala International Airport main base: 1,000+ sqm modern offices and classrooms
- Lydia Aerodrome dedicated GA airport: flight operations, student campus under development
- Kavala Theoretical Campus: 1,500 sqm dedicated ground school center
- Combined 2,500 sqm facilities with modern briefing rooms and crew areas
- Direct apron access at both airports for seamless flight operations
- EASA-approved in-house examination center for ATPL theory exams
Simulator Fleet
- 6 FNPT II Alsim ALX simulators (latest generation multi-engine)
- Advanced visual systems with motion platforms
- Full instrument rating and MCC training capability
- PBN (Performance Based Navigation) certified equipment
- Jet orientation training simulators
- Continuous upgrades maintaining cutting-edge technology
Aircraft Fleet (30+ Modern Diamond Aircraft)
Primary Training:
- 7 Diamond DV20 Katana (Initial training)
- 8 Diamond DA40 NG (Advanced single-engine)
- 1 Diamond DA-20 (Spin training, UPRT)
Multi-Engine & Advanced:
- 3 Diamond DA42 NG (Multi-engine training)
- 1 AERO AT-3 (Hour building, time building)
- All glass cockpit Garmin G1000
Fleet Specifications:
- 30+ total modern aircraft
- Average age 2-5 years
- EASA Part-145 maintenance on-site
- One of lowest downtimes in Europe
Maintenance Excellence
Egnatia Aviation operates its own EASA Part-145 approved maintenance organization with fully experienced aircraft engineers on-site. Daily inspections and preventive maintenance according to manufacturer standards ensure fleet operational reliability. The in-house maintenance capability minimizes aircraft downtime and costs while maintaining highest safety standards. This vertical integration provides training continuity and excellent aircraft availability for students.
Location: Kavala, Greece
Living in Kavala
Location
Kavala, Eastern Macedonia. Coastal city population 60,000, beautiful harbor town with neoclassical architecture. Training at international airport plus dedicated GA airport
Perfect Weather
325+ flying days annually. Mediterranean climate with mild winters (8-15°C) and warm summers (25-32°C). Minimal weather delays year-round
Cost of Living
40-50% lower than Western Europe. Affordable Greek lifestyle with excellent food, beaches, culture. Student-friendly prices for accommodation and daily expenses
Language
Training conducted entirely in English. International environment with 65% foreign students. Greek culture and warm hospitality enhance experience
Airspace Excellence
International airport provides ATC experience with commercial traffic. Three airports nearby (LGTS, LGAL, LGLM) for varied ILS and VOR/DME approaches. Unrestricted airspace ideal for training
Location Benefits
90 minutes from Thessaloniki. Beautiful beaches, historical sites, mountains. Excellent Greek food and nightlife. Safe, welcoming environment for international students
Kavala provides an ideal training environment combining professional aviation infrastructure with Mediterranean lifestyle. The city offers beautiful beaches, rich history, excellent Greek cuisine, and vibrant student nightlife. The international student community from 61 countries creates diverse, welcoming atmosphere. Kavala's coastal location provides stunning scenery while maintaining affordable prices typical of smaller Greek cities.
The exceptional weather enables consistent year-round training with Greece's famous sunshine and stable conditions. Students complete training significantly faster than in northern Europe with minimal weather delays. Three nearby airports provide excellent variety for instrument rating and navigation training without extensive transit times. Egnatia assists international students with accommodation arrangements, typically shared apartments near training facilities for €300-500 monthly.
Key Advantages
Strong Airline Partnerships
Exclusive training partner for Iraqi Airways, preferred partner for Wizz Air (100+ cadets/year), strong relationships with Aegean, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia. 95% employment rate within 12 months. Graduates work for 61+ different airlines worldwide.
Exceptional Weather
325+ flying days annually with Mediterranean climate. Complete training 2-4 months faster than UK or northern Europe. Minimal weather delays maximize training efficiency and reduce costs through faster completion.
Airline-Focused Training
100% commercial pilot training mirroring actual airline procedures and SOPs from day one. Competency-based training approach. Focus on both technical and non-technical skills. Graduates consistently rated "higher than standard" by airlines.
Top 5 European School
Ranked among Europe's top 5 flight schools. 19 years excellence since 2006. 2,700+ pilots trained from 61 countries. 98.1% training success rate. Strong industry reputation enables graduate employment worldwide.
World-Class Facilities
Two training bases (international airport plus dedicated GA airport). 30+ modern Diamond aircraft average 2-5 years old. 6 FNPT II simulators. In-house EASA examination center. EASA Part-145 maintenance. Largest FTO in Greece.
International Environment
65% international students from 61 countries. 42 internationally trained instructors. Diverse learning environment. English-language instruction. Strong international networking opportunities valuable for global careers.
Important Considerations
Variable Pricing Transparency
While Egnatia emphasizes transparency, exact pricing requires direct inquiry as published ranges are broad (€55,000-€120,000). Different packages and optional courses create pricing complexity. Request detailed cost breakdown during consultation. However, school does clearly outline all-inclusive nature with no hidden fees once package confirmed.
High Student Volume
With 240+ full-time students and rapid growth, aircraft and instructor availability can be stretched during peak periods. Some students report occasionally flying less frequently during busy phases. However, large fleet (30+ aircraft) and 42 instructors generally maintain good student-to-resource ratio. Plan flexibility for scheduling during high-demand periods.
Summer Heat
July-August temperatures regularly reach 32-35°C (90-95°F) in Kavala. Can be uncomfortable for students from cooler climates. Early morning flights preferred during peak summer. Diamond aircraft well-ventilated but consider heat tolerance. Most students find trade-off acceptable for year-round flying weather and beach location.
Comparison with European Schools
| School | Location | ATPL Cost | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egnatia Aviation | Greece | €68-75k | 95% (12 mo) |
| FTEJerez | Spain | €85-95k | 80% (12 mo) |
| BAA Training | Lithuania | €65-75k | 85% (12 mo) |
| CAE Oxford | UK | €115-130k | 90% (12 mo) |
| L3Harris | UK | €120-140k | 88% (12 mo) |
Egnatia Aviation offers competitive mid-range pricing with exceptional value proposition. €68,000-€75,000 cost significantly lower than UK schools (€115,000-€140,000) while providing superior weather to all competitors. The 95% employment rate within 12 months matches or exceeds more expensive alternatives. Strong airline partnerships and airline-focused training methodology justify slight premium over budget Eastern European options while delivering better career outcomes.
Student Reviews and Testimonials
"One of the best choices I did in my life is that I chose Egnatia Aviation. They had brand new Diamond aircraft, combination between ex-fighters and ex-airliners instructors which you will get very good training and experience from them. Located in Greece which means very good and nice weather to fly in! Greece is very nice country to have fun also and it is very safe to stay while Greek people are very kind." - Abdullah AlFadhli, Kuwait
– Abdullah A., Kuwait (Integrated Course Graduate)
"I can guarantee you of a few things from Egnatia Aviation: The standard of training is very high. IN DEPTH briefings AND debriefings are conducted before and after every flight. Instructors make sure you understand what you did wrong and ALSO what you did well. They constantly ask you theoretical questions during every flight. The area is GREAT for flying. Airspace is not restricted at all. Student to instructor ratio is very good." - PPRuNe Forum Review
– Forum User, Training Period 2010 (Verified Graduate)
"Studying at Egnatia equipped me with the fundamental skills and attitude required to work in the aviation industry. Egnatia Aviation was one of the schools that projected this support and professionalism from the beginning. Throughout my training journey I was able to enjoy the high standards of training and safety directly from well experienced and skillful ground and flight instructors with hundreds of flight and teaching hours under their belts."
– Alumni Testimonial (Published on Egnatia Website)
"Many users commend Egnatia Aviation for its organized pilot training programs, lovely aircraft fleet, and supportive learning environment. Some times too much students at the same training phase, can lead to flying less frequently for a while. However, recent facility upgrades have been positively received. Overall excellent curriculum preparing students for various airlines." - Wheree Review Aggregation
– Multiple Reviews Composite (2024-2025)
Overall Student Rating: 4.8/5 based on graduate feedback and public reviews. Students consistently praise airline-focused training, excellent weather, modern facilities, experienced instructors (ex-fighter pilots and airline captains), and strong career support. Minor concerns about occasional scheduling during peak periods. Outstanding graduate satisfaction with 98.1% training success rate. 94% recommend on Facebook (61 reviews). High recommendation rate for students prioritizing airline careers.
Final Verdict: Is Egnatia Aviation Right for You?
Egnatia Aviation represents an outstanding choice for students seeking airline-focused pilot training with strong employment outcomes. The school combines Europe's top 5 ranking, exceptional Mediterranean weather (325+ flying days), world-class facilities (30+ modern aircraft, 6 simulators), and unmatched airline partnerships (Wizz Air 100+ cadets/year, Iraqi Airways exclusive, Aegean, Qatar Airways) to create comprehensive airline preparation. The 95% employment rate within 12 months and graduates working for 61+ airlines worldwide validate the training quality and industry recognition.
Best suited for: Students prioritizing airline career with strong employment support, those seeking optimal weather for fast training completion (14-18 months), candidates interested in Wizz Air or Aegean Airlines pathways, and students valuing airline-oriented SOPs training from day one over generic flight instruction. The competency-based training approach and focus on non-technical skills prepare graduates who consistently perform "higher than standard" in airline type ratings. Consider carefully if extremely budget-constrained (Eastern Europe cheaper) or require guaranteed immediate airline placement, but overall represents exceptional value for career-focused students. Highly recommended for aspiring airline pilots seeking quality European training at competitive mid-range prices.