New life for the LCJ old terminal
The old terminal at Lodz Airport Central Poland has gained new life – as a new headquarter for Bartolini Air, the largest pilot school in central Europe and the first airline which have its own air base in Lodz. This week, future pilots of Ryanair begin their training in the renovated space.
Few years Lodz Airport Management was looking for a new function of the building. Together, with Bartolini Air Board, they found a way to breathe new life into it. Two years ago Bartolini Air rented the whole building and renovation has started. Now we are able to see first part of the transformation.
Students from all over the world have theoretical trainings in four new lecture rooms named after famous pilots: Jan Zumbach, Amilia Earhard, Charles Lindbergh and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
The process of renovation is still ongoing. We should see the final effect later this year. First floor will be designed for the headquarter of Bartolini Air. Former departure hall will again departure hall but not for all the passengers, it will be designed as a modern FBO Terminal.
Bartłomiej Walas, Vice President, Bartolini Air: “For us this is a milestone and another level of development. We have shown in this difficult period of the pandemic, that together with Lodz Airport we can build more than many other airports have done at that time.”
Anna Midera PhD, CEO & President of the Board, Lodz Airport Central Poland: “We are really proud that many airline pilots put their first steps in aviation in Lodz. For example, today is the first day of the „Ryanair/Bartolini Air Mentored Pilot Training Programme”. Despite the covid-19 pandemic, there is still a strong demand for pilots. We’re excited, that the largest aviation school in Poland is our partner and decided to be our neighbor.”
The Bartolini Air was founded in 2006. At the very beginning, they trained only tourist pilots. After that, they have decided to train professional pilots too. The great opinion in the aviation industry caused that students from all over the world come to Lodz. After graduation, many of them were employed in airlines such as WizzAir, Ryanair, Lot.
In Bartolini Air’s fleet are 16 aircraft: 2 Cessna Citation Jet, 4 Tecnam P2006T, 6 Tecnam P2008JC, 2 Tecnam P2002JF, 1 Tecnam P2010 and 1 CAP 10C.
The interesting fact: Lodz airport handles approx. 800 private flights per year.