Quantcast

British Airways opens applications for fully funded pilot training program

European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
British Airways opens applications for fully funded pilot training program
Policy
Webp pilot
British Airways Pilot training | Official Website

British Airways is once again opening applications for its Speedbird Pilot Academy, a fully funded program designed to train the next generation of pilots. The airline is inviting up to 200 aspiring pilots to apply for this opportunity, which covers the cost of obtaining a pilot's license. This initiative follows the success of last year's program and involves an investment of £21 million ($26.2 million) by British Airways.

The Speedbird Pilot Academy stands out as the only UK airline offering a completely funded cadet program, making it accessible to those who might otherwise find the private costs prohibitive. The application window is open from February 11 to February 21, 2025.

Jasmine Campbell, a current cadet from York, shared her experience: "Becoming a professional pilot was a childhood dream that has only been made possible by the Speedbird Pilot Academy and the continued support I've received."

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

British Airways employs approximately 4,000 pilots worldwide and operates flights every 90 seconds globally. Successful candidates from the academy will be placed at either London Gatwick or London Heathrow Airport after completing their training.

The selection process consists of three stages: online testing in February and March, followed by flight school assessments until June, and concluding with an in-person final assessment with British Airways from mid-June to July's end.

Applicants must meet several criteria including age limits (17-55), educational qualifications (6 GCSEs grade A-C or equivalent), English proficiency, legal work rights in the UK, physical requirements such as height and swimming ability, and passing medical and background checks.

Once trained, new pilots enjoy various benefits such as competitive salaries, discounted airfares for family and friends, career development opportunities, pension schemes, life insurance options, and more.

For those interested in joining British Airways through alternative routes like military transitions or self-sponsored pathways post-instrument rating completion can also explore opportunities with BA Cityflyer or other short-haul operations within the company’s extensive network.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025

American Airlines will introduce its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft on December 18, marking the first time a U.S. airline operates this model.

Oct 25, 2025