Captain Stefano Miotto’s journey from fighter jets to ACMI with Avion Express

Avion Express, a member of the Avia Solutions Group family and the world’s largest ACMI provider, is a rapidly growing airline with a strong presence across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas. As the company continues its expansion, it welcomes new pilots to join its multicultural team and grow alongside the organization.

The ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) model is gaining recognition in the aviation industry, yet it remains unfamiliar to some pilots. Avion Express is committed to transparency — working for an ACMI airline offers a different perspective compared to traditional carriers, but for many pilots, it provides unparalleled professional opportunities. Captain TRI/TRE Stefano Miotto exemplifies this, sharing how his transition from a fighter jet pilot in a renowned aerobatic team to a Captain at Avion Express has broadened his aviation career and enriched his experience.

From “Frecce Tricolori“ to ACMI company

Hailing from a small village in Italy, Miotto’s passion for aviation was sparked in his school years when he was captivated by the sound and power of jet fighters. Determined to turn his dream into reality, he pursued a career as a pilot, starting in the military as a fighter jet pilot. He later became part of “Frecce Tricolori,” the prestigious aerobatic demonstration team of the Italian Air Force.

With over 40 years of aviation experience—including 16 years in the Air Force and 24 years in commercial aviation — Miotto joined Avion Express in 2022 as an Airbus A320 Captain. “I had heard great things about the company from fellow pilots and knew they were embarking on exciting new projects. When I received the news that I had been selected, it was one of the best days of my life.”

Why changing bases sets ACMI apart

As an ACMI airline, Avion Express operates globally in partnerships with well-known airlines across Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region, offering pilots international exposure and diverse experiences. Captain Miotto highlights how the airline’s global operations and multiple base opportunities set Avion Express apart right from the beginning of his career:

“Even though the company’s headquarters are in Lithuania, my initial training took me to Santo Domingo, and it felt like stepping into a completely different world. It was an incredible experience—both in terms of training and immersing myself in a new environment,” says Miotto.

“I spent about three weeks there before returning to Europe to start to fly in Stuttgart. That experience was amazing because we had a partnership with a fantastic brand, and I truly enjoyed my time there. Then, Antalya was another great experience, and I’ve also been based in London, Vienna, Hamburg, and Berlin”

Captain Miotto emphasizes that, unlike traditional airlines, where pilots are assigned to a single base with a fixed set of routes, Avion Express offers the flexibility to change bases and even continents, providing diverse experiences and unique opportunities for professional growth:

“In other airlines, you are assigned to a single base, flying the same routes to a limited number of destinations. After a year or two, it can start to feel repetitive because you know everything. At an ACMI company like Avion Express, you constantly experience new challenges and environments, keeping the job exciting and dynamic.

Furthermore, the company fosters a multicultural environment, making it an ideal place for open-minded individuals. Here, you have the opportunity to collaborate with pilots from all over the world, and every experience feels like a new adventure. You share knowledge, make new connections, and learn from each other. So, if you’re motivated to seek higher opportunities, this is the place for you. But the key is to always keep learning and evolving—not just relying on past experience,” notes Miotto.

Expansion creates new career opportunities

Miotto’s personal experience at Avion Express is a perfect example of the career advancement opportunities the company offers. He highlights how quickly pilots can grow within the organization:

“I joined Avion Express as a Captain, and within a few months, I had the opportunity to apply for a Line Training Captain (LTC) position. I completed the assessment and training, and by the end of 2022, I was officially appointed as an LTC. In 2023, I applied for a CRM Instructor position, went through training, and was successfully appointed. Then, in early 2024, after completing my examiner training with my aviation authority, I was given the opportunity to become an examiner on the Airbus A320,” Miotto shares.

Speaking about career opportunities for pilots, Laura Macutkevic, Vice President of People and Culture at Avion Express, adds:

“The company is growing rapidly, continuously expanding into new markets and launching operations in new regions. This year, for example, we have established new partnerships in Argentina, and strengthened collaborations in Mexico and Vietnam, and we are in the final stage of establishing our new AOC in Brazil. With this rapid growth, new positions are constantly opening up, creating exciting career opportunities for pilots.”

For those seeking a dynamic and rewarding career in aviation, Avion Express offers a unique combination of opportunities, competitive benefits, and professional growth. Apply today and become part of a company that values its people and provides a world of possibilities. https://careers.avionexpress.aero/pilots/

The post Captain Stefano Miotto’s journey from fighter jets to ACMI with Avion Express appeared first on AeroTime.

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