Marijus Ravoitis, CEO, BAA Training

Marijus Ravoitis is a seasoned C-level executive with proven expertise in strategic growth, international sales, and global market expansion. As the CEO of BAA Training, he has successfully doubled the company’s workforce and revenue, expanding its reach across five continents. With over a decade of experience spanning aviation, electronics, and corporate strategy, Marijus has held pivotal roles such as Chief Sales Officer and Corporate Strategy Manager. His leadership has led to significant milestones, including a multimillion-euro contract with Turkish Airlines and the launch of advanced training centers in France and India. He is known for his results-driven mindset and commitment to excellence.

How is the global and Indian aviation industry evolving, and what does this mean for aspiring pilots?

Both the global and Indian aviation industries are on a strong growth trajectory, but both are also facing challenges to achieve it. In the wider picture, the global aviation industry is projected to surpass 5.2 billion in passenger traffic, as revenues are expected to climb over 1 trillion USD for the first time. The growth is seen as a long-term one, at around 4% per year by 2034. And one of the clearly observed trends is that there’s a regional shit from the mature Western markets to budding ones like the Middle East and, of course, India.

This global shift in industry dynamics is supported by the fact that India has emerged as the third-largest domestic aviation market. The country recorded a 15% year-on-year growth and an 11% increase in domestic passenger traffic in February alone. The projections show that domestic traffic is expected to grow 7-10% in 2025-2026, while international traffic for Indian carriers is expected to see a 15-20% rise.

What does this mean for aspiring pilots in India? The short answer: greater demand and job security. The market is projecting the need for around 30,000 new pilots over 15-20 years due to the rapid fleet expansion of Indian carriers to match the rising passenger demand. So, this is shaping up to be the right time to enter the field.

However, certain challenges continue to impact the current market. One of them being the aircraft delays from the manufacturers, which have affected the Indian carriers as well.

With three new airlines entering the Indian market, the aviation sector is set to generate thousands of job opportunities for aspiring pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff. How do you see this growth benefiting students seeking careers in aviation?

This aligns very well with my previous point – the growing demand in the coming decades directly translates to job security. Well-trained pilots will find themselves looking at some of the best working conditions as airlines adjust and adapt in order to attract top talent. This potentially means added benefits, higher salary ranges, flexible schedules, and more opportunities for growth.

The pilot training industry today emphasizes not only high-quality instruction but also the preparation of students for career opportunities.

Additionally, many pilot training institutions face accusations of charging exorbitant fees. How do institutions like yours ensure a fair fee structure and provide assurance to students that their investment will lead to strong career prospects?

The perception of training costs often varies between regions. In mature markets like Europe and the U.S., where the cost of living and salary ranges are comparatively higher, pilot training fees are viewed in the context of long-term career earnings. In India, while the aviation sector is expanding rapidly and demand for pilots is increasing, salaries and living costs can make training fees appear relatively high.

These costs, however, directly reflect the investment required to deliver high-quality pilot education. Fees cover essential infrastructure, including modern full-flight simulators and training devices, a fleet of aircraft, and their upkeep, certified instructors, facilities, and continuously updated study materials and curricula. All of these elements are crucial to maintaining safety, regulatory compliance, and effective training.

The pilot training industry today emphasizes not only high-quality instruction but also the preparation of students for career opportunities. Through industry connections and official partnerships, as well as ongoing curriculum updates aligned with airline requirements, we strive to ensure that students receive both excellent training and support in transitioning to professional roles in a growing job market.

What are the advantages of starting pilot training immediately after school, and what qualities make a great candidate?

Starting as early as possible oftentimes means entering the aviation industry sooner. This gives a head start in gathering flight hours and industry experience, which is something that earning seniority in pilot ranks is mainly based on. Another added benefit is the reduced gap in learning, which means that transitioning directly from a school to pilot training gives more continuity in education. And, of course, at this stage, school graduates have fewer personal and financial commitments, allowing them to dedicate more time and energy to pilot training, which can get more intense down the line.

How do the pilot training companies like BAA Training in the aviation education industry differentiate themselves in preparing students for real-world aviation challenges?

Companies like BAA Training offer comprehensive, competency-based training that goes beyond regulatory minimums. They strive to integrate real-world scenarios into simulator sessions to thoroughly prepare students for actual aircraft operations. Also, strong airline partnerships help align their training with current industry demands, while instructors with active airline experience ensure that students are exposed to the latest operational practices. Moreover, with multicultural student groups and global training locations, cadets also develop the soft skills and adaptability needed for today’s international aviation landscape.

How does the training structure ensure students meet global aviation standards, and what role does technology play in modern pilot education?

To put it simply, pilot training in general must meet global aviation standards, and that is evaluated through aviation regulatory bodies’ certificates and audits, for example. This is extremely important in ensuring the highest standard of training and safety. On top of that, we train our students in competency-based skills as well, not only technical ones. This helps them build strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, develop the right attitude, which is essential for today’s pilot.

Technology is a big part of how we do this. We use advanced full-flight simulators that recreate real-world flying conditions, and our learning management systems help track each student’s progress and tailor the training to their needs. This keeps our cadets ready for the modern, tech-driven cockpits they’ll be flying in.