Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) announced a significant change in its pilot training financing, aiming to support future pilots better and remove financial barriers. Starting June 2025, aspiring SWISS pilots will no longer need to make an advance financial contribution towards their training costs. Instead, the entire cost will be covered by a loan from the company, repayable in installments during their subsequent employment.

The decision is expected to address a major hurdle that may have prevented many talented individuals from pursuing a career in the cockpit. SWISS anticipates an annual need for approximately 110 new pilots in the coming years. Previously, each prospective pilot had to contribute significantly to their training costs alongside subsidies from the Swiss Confederation and loans from the company.

"In making this investment in our pilot training, we're removing a major financial hurdle and opening up the path to the cockpit to even more talented young individuals," said SWISS Chief Operating Officer Oliver Buchhofer. "Anyone with the right natural skills should be able to become a SWISS pilot, regardless of their financial background. "