Our vision
Training tomorrow's airline pilots.
“Thrust yourself”
2019
the year ESA was founded
96%
first-time pass rate in ATPL theory
12
students or so per class
3
intakes a year: September, November, March
100%
of training delivered in English
A word from the founders
Becoming tomorrow's airline pilot
We designed this pilot training for you, in line with the values that drive us.
It was built around an international environment because, in our view, using English every day is the first step towards making your project a success.
We also know that leaving home can be stressful, which is why we keep a caring, family spirit. Each class is a small group of about a dozen students, so that you fly as often as possible.
And finally, employment, which is our ultimate goal for you: we have surrounded ourselves with the best professionals and teachers, who will give you the technical skills and the personal qualities to approach airline selection with confidence.
A school born from an observation
ESA set out to create a flight school that meets the real needs of the aviation industry. Earning a licence is one step. Being ready to join an airline is another: our programme is built to prepare you for both.
Since 2019 we have built a solid reputation on programmes that break with tradition, while staying true to our original mission.
Our four convictions
Everything we do follows from four simple ideas we have never compromised on.
International first
English is the language of the job. Rather than teaching it in a classroom, we train our students abroad, at an international commercial airport: classes, radio and everyday life all happen in English. It is the most effective way to arrive ready for selection.
A family spirit
Leaving home at 18 or 20 is no small thing. We welcome every class, house our students in a residence reserved for them, and stay within reach. The young people who join us leave as pilots, and as adults too.
Small classes
About a dozen students per class, no more. That is what makes it possible to fly often, get individual attention from instructors and move forward together, on schedule.
Employment as the only goal
We do not train licence holders, we train future First Officers. Interview preparation, aptitude tests, B737 simulator, MCC: support continues after the licence, until you are hired.
Our method
Training to a standard of excellence takes an individualised teaching framework, led by industry professionals, that helps our students mature. That is why our classes are limited to 12 students, why flying takes place at an international commercial airport, and why the whole course is delivered abroad. In our experience, this is the most effective way to give students the keys to a successful start to their career.
Our five commitments
High standards and safety
A high level of rigour, quality and safety, guaranteed by a certified site in Crete working to a standard set by ESA.
A complete programme
Training thought through from start to finish, so that students can focus solely on their progress.
Professional English
The fluent, professional level of English that airline selection, and the job itself, demand.
Keeping to schedule
A timetable that holds: 97% of our courses are completed on time, before the contractual end date.
Transparency
A clear, detailed programme before any commitment, with no unpleasant surprises along the way.
Our programmes: excellence and innovation
We are proud to offer courses that break with tradition.
18 months · no experience required
Airline Pilot
A route unique in France, delivered entirely in Crete: from first flight to commercial licence, in full international immersion.
Explore the course →with CY Cergy Paris Université
Pilot Bachelor
A dual programme combining a solid university education with airline pilot training, so you can become a pilot while continuing your studies.
Explore the Bachelor →New to the profession? Our guide explains the whole route, stage by stage. How to become an airline pilot
Our story
2019
ESA is founded
Three aviation professionals found École Supérieure d'Aviation with the idea of training differently: internationally, in small groups, with employment as the goal.
2020
Partnership with CY Cergy Paris Université
ESA teams up with the university to offer a dual programme: a university degree and airline pilot training.
2021
Cretan Eagle Aviation, exclusive partner
After reviewing more than 200 flight schools across Europe, ESA chooses Cretan Eagle Aviation in Heraklion for its students' flight training.
2022
Partnership with the French Air and Space Force
ESA forms a partnership with the French Air Force around flight training devices.
2023
Launch of the Find the RIGHT seat programme
Support no longer stops at the licence: career strategy, selection preparation and B737 simulator, until graduates are hired by an airline.
2026
Entering the European training market
ESA opens its programmes to students from across Europe, with a route and support fully available in English.
Today
Three intakes a year
Classes starting in September, November and March, a residence reserved for students in Heraklion, headquarters at Paris Charles de Gaulle, and graduates on the flight deck.
“Our mission is to bring our students to the highest standard the market demands, to maximise their employability.”
A future driven by innovation
Our ambition for the future is clear: to keep enriching our programmes, bring in leading-edge technology and prepare our students to excel in an ever more demanding aviation environment.
Together, we are building the aviation of tomorrow.
Your team
Working airline pilots, instructors, coordinators: the women and men who support you, from your application to your first job.
Sylvain G.
CEO
Aurelien B.
OPL B737 - Instructor
Manos K.
Flight School Co-Manager
Aude S.
Talent Acquisition
Gael P.
OPL 787 - Instructor
Harris H.
Instructor
Artemis K.
Student Coordinator
Quentin T.
OPL Dash8 - Training Manager
Sebastien T.
Airline Pilot - Instructor
Erika B.
Student Coordinator
Mickael T.
Head of Training
Thomas N.
OPL B737 - Instructor
Nikolaos G.
Flight School
Sara L.
Public Relations
Arnaud L.
OPL A320 - Instructor
George K.
Flight School Manager
Ambrine S.
Talent Acquisition
Carlo N.
CDB - Instructor
Sara K.
Instructor
Alexandra G.
Student Coordinator
Julien V.
Quality Manager
Mathieu C.
A320/330/350 - Instructor
Marina S.
Licensing Dept
Our exclusive partner
Cretan Eagle Aviation
Since 2021, Cretan Eagle Aviation (CEA) has been ESA's exclusive partner. This EASA Approved Training Organisation was selected from more than 200 flight schools in Europe to meet ESA's precise requirements for capability and quality.
Today CEA is far more than a partner: it is a full member of the ESA family, actively involved in the school's training.
Recognition and guarantees
Approved Training Organisation
ESA and Cretan Eagle Aviation are Approved Training Organisations (ATO) under European EASA regulations.
A French school
Your contract is with ESA alone, a French company headquartered at Paris Charles de Gaulle, even though you train in Greece.
A university partner
A partnership of several years with CY Cergy Paris Université for the Pilot Bachelor dual programme.
Would you rather talk it through?
Get the course brochure, or talk to our team live during an online information session.