About Sevenair Academy
Who we are
Sevenair Academy is an EASA-approved Approved Training Organisation (ATO, certificate PT.ATO.009.009) that trains airline pilots from zero flying experience. All theory and flight training takes place on our own campus at Ponte de Sor Aerodrome (LPSO), in the Alentejo region of Portugal, and every course is taught in English.
Since November 2025 we have been a Network Member of the Airbus Flight Academy. Our main programmes, the Airbus ATPi Cadet Programme and the Integrated ATPL(A), take cadets from their first lesson to a frozen ATPL in approximately 24 months. Our roots go back to 1980 and the first civilian pilot school in Portugal, and today around 250 cadets are in training with us.
Heritage
Roots in Portugal's first civilian pilot school, founded in 1980
Approval
EASA Approved Training Organisation (ATO), certificate PT.ATO.009.009
Network
Airbus Flight Academy Network Member since November 2025
Training base
Ponte de Sor (LPSO), Portugal
Mission
Professional pilots, ready for the airlines
Our mission is to develop professional pilots with the knowledge, skills and attitude that airlines look for, certified under EASA regulations. Training is hands-on from day one and delivered by experienced instructors, with safety at the centre of every lesson, so that our graduates are ready to compete for an airline career.
Training standards
Airbus standards and competency-based training
As a Network Member of the Airbus Flight Academy, we train cadets to Airbus standards using Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA). Our 44 training aircraft, almost all with Garmin G1000 glass cockpits, and 4 simulators prepare cadets for a smooth transition to modern airliners.
Vision
One campus to live, study and fly
Air travel connects people, trade and opportunity, and airlines will need many new pilots in the years ahead. Our vision is for Ponte de Sor to be a reference for ab initio pilot training in Europe: one campus where cadets live, study and fly, with good year-round flying weather, uncongested airspace for early training and on-site accommodation next to the runway.
Our history
From Portugal's first civilian pilot school to a member of the Airbus Flight Academy network, these are the milestones that shaped Sevenair Academy.
1980
Where it all began
- Sevenair Academy traces its origins to the first civilian pilot school in Portugal, founded in 1980.
- More than four decades of ab initio pilot training and thousands of pilots trained.
2022
Investing in Ponte de Sor
- Sevenair acquired the Ponte de Sor pilot training centre previously operated by L3Harris, including its campus, hangars, training aircraft and on-site student accommodation.
- One of the largest investments in pilot training in Portugal, creating a dedicated aviation campus with direct runway access.
2024
Luxair cadet sponsorship programme
- Luxair selected Sevenair Academy as a training partner for its cadet sponsorship programme.
- Cadets who passed the airline's selection received a conditional letter of employment with Luxair.
November 2025
Airbus Flight Academy Network Member
- Sevenair Academy joined the Airbus Flight Academy network, with the agreement signed at the European Airline Training Symposium (EATS) in Portugal.
- The first Royal Brunei Airlines cadets began Airbus ab initio training at Ponte de Sor the same month.
2026
Training cadets for international airlines
- Airbus selected our Ponte de Sor campus to deliver its ab initio programme for All Nippon Airways (ANA) Group cadets, starting with a first cohort of 19 cadets.
- All theory and flight training is consolidated at Ponte de Sor, with around 250 cadets in training.
What we train
Airbus ATPi Cadet Programme
Airbus-designed integrated ATPL programme delivered at Ponte de Sor: from zero experience to a frozen ATPL and an Airbus cadet certificate in approximately 24 months.
Integrated ATPL(A)
Full-time EASA course from little or no experience to a frozen ATPL in approximately 24 months, including PBN, UPRT and MCC.
Flight Instructor FI(A)
EASA course of approximately 4 months for licensed pilots who want to teach, build hours and gain flying experience.
ATO Transfer
Already started your training elsewhere? Find out how to continue your pilot training at Sevenair Academy.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Sevenair Academy located?
Sevenair Academy is based at Ponte de Sor Aerodrome (ICAO: LPSO), in the Alentejo region of Portugal. Our campus is at Aeródromo Municipal de Ponte de Sor, EN 2, km 440, Tramaga, 7400-601 Ponte de Sor, and all theory and flight training takes place there.
Is Sevenair Academy EASA-approved?
Yes. Sevenair Academy is an EASA Approved Training Organisation (ATO) with certificate PT.ATO.009. The licences you obtain are EASA licences, valid in all EASA member states and widely recognised worldwide.
What is Sevenair Academy's relationship with Airbus?
Sevenair Academy has been a Network Member of the Airbus Flight Academy since November 2025. We deliver the Airbus ATPi Cadet Programme at Ponte de Sor and train cadets to Airbus standards using Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA).
How long has Sevenair Academy been training pilots?
Our roots go back to 1980 and the first civilian pilot school in Portugal. That means more than four decades of ab initio pilot training and thousands of pilots trained.
Which airlines have chosen Sevenair Academy to train their cadets?
Through the Airbus Flight Academy, Airbus has selected our Ponte de Sor campus to train cadets for Royal Brunei Airlines and All Nippon Airways (ANA) Group. Sevenair Academy has also worked with Luxair on a cadet sponsorship programme.
In what language are the courses taught?
All courses at Sevenair Academy are taught in English. Non-native English speakers need ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 4 or higher for the licence.
Next steps to become a pilot
- 1
Seek guidance from our team
We have a Training Advisors team dedicated to answering any questions you have, provide you with all the details about the ATPL(A) course and guide you throughout the process.
- 2
Enrolment agreement
A formal commitment that secures your spot on the ATPL programme and starts your assessment process that must be completed within 3 months.
- 3
Online assessment
An individual test battery designed to measure performance indicators, such as mathematics, physics, cognitive skill, English and situational awareness.
- 4
Medical certification
Our Admissions Team will help you book your EASA Medical Class 1, which is a legal requirement before you can start training.
- 5
On-site assessment
You will be invited to our base to do an on-site assessment which includes aptitude and personality tests, group exercises, an interview in English and a simulator evaluation.
- 6
Training contract
After successful assessment you are ready to commence training. Our Training Advisors team will guide you through the last details to confirm your seat.
Open Day · New dates coming soon
Student pilot for a day
Join our Open Day for an immersive experience: tour our campus, meet our experienced instructors and even take a real flight with one of our pilots.
