Flair Airlines is looking to speed up its pilot training with a new program.

Canadian pilots have had to spend years flying small planes before moving up, but Flairs new 18-month training program will get pilots into the company’s Boeing 737’s as soon as they graduate.

Flairs pilot training manager Grey Cooper says similar models have been used in Europe and have proven successful, because they teach the specific skills needed to fly commercial jets.

“Using the right time of training in targeted in the correct way with a competency  entrance standard you end up with a safer pilot.”

North America is in the midst of a pilot shortage right now, and Flair says its new program will ensure a pipeline of skilled labour for the airlines planned growth.