Our team at Genesis Flight College, in partnership with Flair Airlines, proudly celebrated the graduation of the inaugural class of the Flair Cadet Program—a groundbreaking initiative in Canadian aviation training. The ceremony marked not only a significant achievement for the graduates but also a milestone for the future of pilot training in Canada.
The 18-month integrated program, one of the first of its kind in the country, took students with little to no flight experience and transformed them into fully licensed commercial pilots, ready to join Flair Airlines as First Officers. The unique training model blends academic excellence, simulator training, and real-world flight operations to prepare graduates for immediate airline service.
“You’ve made history as our first class to complete this program,” said David Gascoine, President at Genesis Flight College. “It’s not just a fun fact—it’s a legacy. The classes that follow will hear stories about the excellence, resilience, and camaraderie you’ve set as the standard.”
Graduate speaker Chris Jones reflected on the challenges and triumphs of the program, from weather delays and early mornings to the unforgettable first solo flights. “This was an amazing journey,” he said. “We’ve grown not only as pilots but as people. We’re ready for the responsibility that lies ahead.”
Representing Flair Airlines, Captain Amelia Kerr, Training Program Manager, emphasized the unique opportunity awaiting the graduates: “You’re going to get paid to fly a multi-million-dollar jet and work half the month. There’s no job like it. The foundation you’ve built here will serve you throughout your career, but your attitude will determine how far you go.”
Closing the ceremony, retired Air Canada 777 Captain and Genesis instructor Perry Braux offered words of wisdom: “That license you’ve earned is not a certificate of mastery—it’s a license to learn. Stay humble, keep the ego on the ground, and never lose sight of the wonder that brought you here.”
The graduating class now joins Flair Airlines, contributing to a new era in Canadian aviation. As the first to complete the program, they have set the tone for future cohorts and demonstrated the potential of integrated, airline-focused pilot training.
About Genesis Flight College
At Genesis Flight College, we are a leading Canadian aviation training institution committed to developing the next generation of professional pilots. Through innovative programs and strong industry partnerships, we equip graduates with the skills, knowledge, and professionalism needed to succeed in a dynamic aviation industry.
About Flair Airlines
Flair Airlines is Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost carrier, committed to offering affordable, reliable air travel to Canadians. With a growing network and modern fleet, Flair continues to create opportunities for aspiring pilots through programs like the Flair Cadet Program.
