- British Airways will fully-fund up to 200 places on its coveted Speedbird Pilot Academy recruitment programme for 2025
- The money provides real opportunity for people who have been put off from applying to become a commercial airline pilot because of the £100k cost of training
- British Airways made the announcement at Farnborough International Airshow and is the only airline to offer a fully-funded course at such a significant scale
British Airways has announced a £21 million investment to give up to 200 prospective pilots the chance to follow their dream of flying for a commercial airline without the worry of self-funding the £100,000 cost of training, opening the door to being a pilot to more people than ever before.
The Speedbird Pilot Academy aims to attract the very best talent for the future generation of pilots while boosting social mobility and diversity within the airline’s pilot community. The airline works with community groups to help encourage applicants from people who may have previously been put off from applying due to cost.
Launched last year and open to applicants annually, the Academy is already training 100 future British Airways pilots who managed to beat off competition from more than 20,000 candidates to have the cost of their tuition paid for by the airline. Funding was in place for an initial 100 places on the 2025 programme, which has now been increased to 200.
It takes two years to complete training and become a qualified First Officer with the airline. British Airways currently employs around 4,000 pilots.
British Airways made the announcement during the airline’s appearance at Farnborough International Airshow, where it is exhibiting a brand new A320neo aircraft complete with new interiors. The aircraft flew into the show powered by more than 35 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel.