Introduction and history
Finnish Aviation Academy, Suomen Ilmailuopisto Oy
Finnish Aviation Academy is a professional aviation academy based in Pori, providing commercial pilot training to meet the needs of Finnish air transport. Training at the Finnish Aviation Academy meets the EASA Regulations and is also in accordance with the requirements stated by the Finnish airlines as well as the laws of Finland.
The training provided by Finnish Aviation Academy complies with international aviation regulations, Finnish legislative requirements, and the standards set by airlines and the state. The annual number of students admitted is determined in accordance with the workforce needs of airlines operating in Finland. In addition to training new pilots, the Finnish Aviation Academy also offers commercial services, such as training services as well as simulator and training device leasing to operators on a global basis.
The academy also provides private flights with Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 jets.
History
Finnair Aviation Academy 1985–2001
The national airline of Finland is Finnair. The airline was established in 1923 and is one of the oldest operating airlines in the world. Since the 1950s Finnair had its own pilot training school. The pilot training was moved from Helsinki for a brief period in the 1970s to Kuopio in eastern Finland and then in 1985 to its present location in Pori.
In 1985 Finnair invested in the new Pori training school by purchasing a new training aircraft fleet and several trainers, as well as a King Air 300 full flight simulator. The facilities in Pori were previously owned by the Finnish Air Force.
During this period, Finnair Aviation Academy organised 31 Commercial Pilot Programme (AOL) courses, from which approximately 500 professional pilots graduated.
Finnish Aviation Academy Ltd 2002–
The Finnish Aviation Academy Ltd was established at the start of 2002. The aim of this change was to have the academy serve the whole professional aviation industry in Finland and all airlines operating in Finland. Finnair remained the airline to receive new first officers from the academy.
The aircraft fleet has changed during the years. The two Beechcraft King Air 300 aircraft were sold in 2011 and replaced with two modern Embraer Phenom 100s. BE36 Bonanza aircraft were replaced by three Diamond DA 42 aircraft early 2015.
By the end of 2025, Finnish Aviation Academy has completed 41 courses, graduating approximately 700 pilots. In addition, four commercial helicopter pilot courses have been completed, with a total of 24 commercial helicopter pilots graduating from the academy.
Interested in a versatile and international career in aviation?
Take the first steps toward your future workplace and prepare for take-off — apply to Finnish Aviation Academy.
Introduction and history
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pilots have graduated from Finnish Aviation Academy?
Approximately 700 pilots have graduated from Finnish Aviation Academy. In addition, around 500 pilots graduated from the former Finnair Aviation Academy.
How many courses have been conducted at Finnish Aviation Academy in total?
A total of 31 courses were organised by Finnair Aviation Academy, and 41 courses have been completed by Finnish Aviation Academy as of February 2026.
