Ryanair has entered a partnership with Cork-based Atlantic Flight Training Academy to train almost 500 pilots for the airline over the next five years.
The partnership will lead to the creation of 50 new jobs at Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA).
The academy, which was established in 1995, has trained more than 1,800 pilots who fly for airlines all over the world.
Ryanair cadets who join the programme will be trained intensively over 16 months. They will ultimately be trained to fly Ryanair's fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft.
Atlantic Flight Training Academy Managing Director Mark Casey said his company has a long-standing relationship with Ryanair.
He said the partnership with Ryanair would give successful applicants a clear career path.
