British Airways expands funding for diverse pilot training program

The high cost of training, including obtaining flight hours, has long been a barrier for many prospective pilots globally. Women often face additional challenges balancing work and family commitments.

BA shared the story of Melanie Odden, a current Speedbird Pilot Academy cadet from Hertfordshire. “I have been fascinated by aviation since I was young and becoming a pilot has been a lifelong dream of mine, with the aspiration to one day become a training captain. Unfortunately, there have been barriers preventing me from reaching these goals. I started in a different career path and have a young family, with my little one now being three years old,” she said.

“When British Airways announced that they would be providing funded spaces for students on their Speedbird Academy I had to apply. I never thought I would become one of the lucky few. I am now three months into my training and it still doesn’t quite feel real. It is hard work, and trying to juggle family life with study can be difficult, but I know it will be worth it and I am so grateful that British Airways is giving people a chance to realize their dreams without financial barriers.”

Removing the financial burden of training aims to set more women on successful pilot careers at the airline and ensure broader representation from all backgrounds.

British Airways reports that its percentage of women pilots is already higher than the national average. Some 6.6% of its 4,000 pilots are women compared to the 5% national average for the UK pilot workforce, according to a 2023 BA report.

In addition to this initiative, British Airways has established other diversity programs such as the Women’s Inclusion Network Group for Success (WINGS), which promotes gender equality and representation within the company. WINGS comprises female colleagues and male allies aiming to support women's career development towards leadership roles.

The airline has also introduced a mandatory company-wide Inclusion and Diversity e-learning package focusing on bias and inclusive leadership.

“Great pilots come from all backgrounds and it’s this diversity which brings us immense value, both for our customers and for our colleagues,” stated British Airways.

It takes two years to become a qualified First Officer with BA under the Speedbird Pilot Academy cadet program.

To learn more about British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy or apply for future classes, visit their official website.