One Step Closer to Sharing the Cockpit with His Father
Mathias Bjork, 2025 Graduate of Cadet Pilot Programme, recalls the defining moments of becoming a pilot.
“For me, becoming a pilot was never a dream that appeared overnight — it was something that slowly took root at home as I grew up.” For Mathias Bjork, a graduate of the first class of the HKIAA’s Cadet Pilot Programme, aviation has always been part of his life. His father is a pilot and his mother a cabin crew member, so aviation was not just a profession he admired — it was part of his upbringing. This passion, passed down through his family, became the strongest driving force behind his journey to the skies.
Growing up in Aviation, the Dream of Flying Took Root Early
“Being a pilot is a really cool job.” In his twenties, Mathias — a Swedish Hong Kong mixed heritage young man — grew up in a family deeply connected to aviation. From a young age, he was surrounded by the rhythm of the skies and developed a strong fascination for it. At 18, he went into a flight simulator for the first time under his father’s guidance, and he instantly fell in love with flying. “That moment confirmed the path I wanted to take. I was determined to follow in my father’s footsteps and hoped that one day we could fly together, side by side,” he recalled. So when he learned that the Cadet Pilot Programme was open for applications, he applied immediately and officially began his journey toward the cockpit.
The programme requires cadet students to firstly complete an approximately six-month Theoretical Knowledge Instruction (TKI) course at HKIAA. Mathias shared that the real challenge was not a strong academic background, but instead, discipline and time management.
“The toughest part of TKI is handling multiple subjects at the same time, with exams scheduled very close together. It demands strong focus and time management,” he said. Among all subjects, Flight Planning was the most challenging. “It’s a core skill every pilot must master because it directly affects flight safety. It involves large amounts of data and complex calculations that must be precise and accurate. At the same time, you need to prepare for unexpected weather or sudden changes, which require strong adaptability. That’s why I spent double the usual time and effort preparing for it.”
With determination and discipline, Mathias successfully passed all examinations and proceeded to IASCO Flight Training in California for his flight training.
A Legacy Passed Through the Skies
Mathias was excited to begin his flight training in the United States — not only because it brought him one step closer to the dream of “sharing the cockpit with his father,” but also because it marked a new chapter in his life: living abroad independently for the first time.
“During the eight months in California, my classmates were not only my roommates but also my teammates. In our group of six, we took turns flying. When I was at the controls, the others would observe and analyse from the back; when it was their turn, I would support them. This mutual learning made the training both enriching and enjoyable.”
One of his most unforgettable flights was flying over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. “The weather was perfect that day — clear skies and great visibility. Under my instructor’s guidance, we flew over the Golden Gate Bridge. The scenery was stunning, and those four hours in the air made me truly appreciate the joy of flying.”
After completing his flight training in the United States, Mathias returned to Hong Kong for a two-week Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) course and was subsequently issued a Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplane) by the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department. He has since joined HK Express as a Second Officer, moving even closer toward realising the dream of flying side by side with his father.
“The HKIAA’s Cadet Pilot Programme has very fast career progress. Multiple airlines are working with HKIAA; it is very appealing to anybody who wants to take this career path.” Mathias commented.
When a dream is passed from one generation to the next, it becomes more than a dream — it becomes a legacy. Mathias is not only following in his father’s footsteps; he is ready to soar beyond, into a sky that is uniquely his.
