Shenzhen Airlines is recruiting 200 flight attendants and pilot trainees in seven Chinese cities, with trainee pilots able to apply by paying up to 600,000 yuan (US$77,900) to cover the tuition fees.

The airline confirmed yesterday it would become the country's first airline to operate a pilot school in June, with graduates allowed to freely choose their employer.

The Shenzhen Kunpeng International Flight School will focus on training pilots, flight attendants, aircraft maintenance and ground service.

Liu Qinggui, vice president of the airline, said the school had already been approved by Shenzhen's education bureau and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

"We are currently recruiting senior students and graduates fresh from university, but only science students will be qualified for pilot courses," he said. However, high school and polytechnic graduates can apply for cabin crew courses.

The enrolment, which is taking place in Xi'an, Chengdu, Qingdao, Nanjing, Wuhan, Shenzhen and Shantou, will last until June 24.

Trainees will receive courses in Shenzhen and make field trips outside the city.

The future pilots will have to pay some 550,000 to 600,000 yuan to finish the 18-month course, while a three-year flight attendant course costs around 52,000 yuan.

"The airline will cooperate with banks and provide loans to cover the expenses," Liu said.

The school expects to double its recruitment to 400 people next year. The country's aviation industry needs at least 7,000 pilots before 2010, while only 800 qualified graduates are available each year.

Editor: Yan