Press releases

12 Dec 2025

Belarusian Aviation Academy graduates get first ever commercial pilot licenses

MINSK, 12 December (BelTA) – Cadets of Belarusian State Aviation Academy, who have majored in operating civil aviation aircraft, have been granted commercial pilot licenses and the academy graduation diplomas, BelTA has learned.

The solemn ceremony took place in the building of the former passenger terminal of the now defunct airport Minsk 1 – Belarus’ first airport.

“It seems that not so long ago the president made the decision in favor of creating a national pilot school. It has been implemented. We were capable of accomplishing that and have become one step closer towards stronger national security,” Belarusian Transport and Communications Minister Aleksei Lyakhnovich noted.

He congratulated the graduates on the fact that a new stage in their lives had opened for them. “Four and a half years ago you chose your future profession and your fate. You have completed this journey decently. Now you have to confidently move forward, not back down before hardships, and attain the goals you set. Be worthy inheritors of the traditions established by the previous generations of aviators,” the minister said in his speech.

Aleksei Lyakhnovich described the graduation of the civil aviation pilots as a milestone event for the country and thanked the academy’s staff for professional and responsible work on training the young generation of pilots. “We are sincerely proud of your accomplishments,” the minister added.

Rector of Belarusian State Aviation Academy Igor Yatskevich noted that the former Minsk 1 airport had been chosen for the ceremony for a reason. Its walls are full of history. “It is a celebration for the graduates, who have proved with their daily work the right to be the first,” Igor Yatskevich noted.

Cadets, friends and relatives of the graduating pilots, students of aviation-related classes were invited to attend the solemn event. The guests of honor included Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee Vladimir Kukharev, First Deputy Education Minister Aleksandr Bakhanovich, heads of aviation organizations, Director of the Aviation Department of the Transport and Communications Ministry Igor Golub, Deputy Chairman of the Industry, Energy, Transport, Communications, and Digital Development Commission of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Vitaly Utkin.

Addressing the first graduates, the Minsk mayor Vladimir Kukharev emphasized that preparations to start training the pilots had been completed on the tightest schedule and the effort deserved the highest praise. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the leadership of the Aviation Academy and the teaching staff for their colossal work. Appropriate methodologies and textbooks have been developed. The physical infrastructure was also enhanced at a rapid pace. The graduates have passed difficult tests with honor and proved that they are worthy of being the first and understand the responsibility they undertake,” said the chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee, wishing the academy not to stop there but to open new specializations that the aviation industry needs.

Aleksandr Bakhanovich called aviation one of the most complex high-tech industries. “The fact that Belarus has now joined the ranks of countries that can afford training civil aviation pilots is invaluable,” he stressed, wishing the pilots clear skies, soft landings, and a safe return home.

Igor Golub made a special mention of the significant contribution made by flight instructors, representatives of the Central Council of the Volunteer Society for the Assistance to the Army, Aviation, and Navy DOSAAF, and DOSAAF’s Minsk flying club. “Without these people there would be no graduation today, which we are so proud of,” he said. “The graduates have rightfully become part of our aviation family. This is the first step in flight training. Many tasks still lie ahead in order to perform the work of pilots, captains, and flight attendants with high quality.”

Six graduates were assigned to the flag carrier Belavia. The airline’s Director General Igor Cherginets emphasized that the creation of the national pilot school is a huge step forward for Belarus’ aviation industry and he wished the graduates success in their future work. Oleg Saltovsky, commander of the airline’s aviation squadron, Honored Pilot of Belarus and chairman of the state examination commission, added that the cadets had demonstrated good knowledge during the state exam. They will now have to undergo training on specific types of aircraft.

During the ceremony certificates of honor and letters of appreciation were presented by the Transport and Communications Ministry, the Aviation Department of the Transport Ministry, the Minsk City Executive Committee, and the Education Ministry. The event concluded with a symbolic handover of the class book to the young people.



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