Pilots at every stage of their careers are looking for ways to grow and gain more experience. While many pilots start with traditional airlines, others choose the ACMI pilot career path. But why is that?
The ACMI pilot job offers flexibility and excellent development opportunities. However, transitioning into this sector can feel challenging. Some may question whether pursuing a career in ACMI is truly worth the effort. Yet, the most convincing factor is hearing real-life stories from pilots who have already made the leap.
After all, what could be more inspiring than a true success story?
Captain Stefano Miotto’s career shows how adaptability can lead to success. The Captain began his career at the prestigious Italian Air Force aerobatic team. Today, Stefano flies with Avion Express in the ACMI sector. Miotto’s journey is a great example of the exciting opportunities available to pilots who are ready for new challenges.
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The impressive career shift: from elite military air demonstration team to ACMI
Stefano’s career started in Italy, where, as a young boy, he found the sound of jet engines fascinating. This passion led him to become a military pilot and eventually earn a spot with the Frecce Tricolori, one of the top aerobatic teams in the world. For over 16 years, Stefano thrived in high-pressure, high-performance environments. There he mastered the precision flying. But after decades in the Air Force, he took on a new adventure – this time in the world of commercial aviation.
What happened next? In 2022, Stefano joined Avion Express as an Airbus A320 Captain. He brought with him a wealth of military experience and was ready to make a mark in commercial aviation. Avion Express, the world’s largest ACMI provider and part of the Avia Solutions Group, has been rapidly expanding across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas. As the company grew, it offered Miotto the perfect opportunity to take his career to new heights.
Why is ACMI a game-changer?
What made Captain Miotto choose the ACMI shift? This was one chance Captain Miotto could not pass up!
The ACMI model operates differently from traditional airlines. Unlike scheduled air carriers that assign pilots to one base and fixed routes, Avion Express gives pilots a unique experience. Pilots regularly explore new environments, cultures, and flying conditions.
Miotto’s experience reflects this unique aspect of the ACMI model. His initial training took him to Santo Domingo – the pilot encountered a new culture and flying environment. This experience set the stage for the diverse career that lay ahead.
From there, his career took him to multiple European bases, including Stuttgart, Antalya, London, Vienna, Hamburg, and Berlin. Each base offered its own set of challenges and rewards, keeping his role dynamic and far from monotonous.
“In other airlines, the airline assigns you to a single base, flying the same routes to a limited number of destinations. After a year or two, it can start to feel repetitive because you know everything. At an ACMI company like Avion Express, you constantly experience new challenges and environments, keeping the job exciting and dynamic,” Captain Miotto says.
According to Captain, Avion Express embodies the best of what the ACMI operations have to offer. Pilots get the chance to fly internationally and experience different ways of operating. This level of variety and adaptability is rarely found in traditional carriers.
Miotto enjoys the variety in his work and the chance to collaborate with pilots from around the world. Embracing diverse perspectives builds a community of pilots who continuously evolve and improve.
Fast-tracked career: from Captain to TRI/TRE in just three years
Another highly appealing aspect of Avion Express for Miotto was the airline’s focus on career growth. Just months after Miotto joined as a Captain, the company offered him the chance to apply for a Line Training Captain (LTC) role. After completing the required assessments and training, Miotto took on the LTC position by the end of 2022.
“I joined Avion Express as a Captain, and within a few months, I had the opportunity to apply for a Line Training Captain position. I completed the assessment and training, and by the end of 2022, I was officially appointed as an LTC. In 2023, I applied for a CRM Instructor position, went through training, and was successfully appointed. Then, in early 2024, after completing my examiner training with my aviation authority, I was allowed to become an examiner on the Airbus A320,” Miotto shares.
Miotto’s rapid progression at the ACMI carrier speaks to the airline’s investment in its people. It provides pilots with various career growth opportunities. As Avion Express expands into new markets like Argentina, Mexico, and Vietnam, Miotto’s story shows the many opportunities for pilots looking for a rewarding career.
This global mobility not only keeps this job exciting but also enhances a pilot’s adaptability – an essential trait for career progression. Moreover, working with crews from different backgrounds fosters a multicultural work environment that enhances professional and personal growth.
A smart move for aspiring pilots
As the demand for ACMI services continues to rise, pilots who embrace this career path find themselves in a resilient and future-proof segment of the industry. Avion Express, with its rapid expansion and strong presence in global markets, offers pilots a stable yet dynamic platform to grow their careers.
If you are transitioning from the military like Captain Miotto, craving more variety, or aiming for rapid career growth, ACMI stands as a powerful alternative to traditional airline roles. Avion Express leads the way, giving pilots the chance to unlock their full potential and soar in one of aviation’s most thrilling sectors.
Curious about how to become a pilot at a leading ACMI airline? Check out the latest vacancies at Avion Express for pilots of various experience levels and aviation backgrounds here – you could be the next success story!