British Airways’ fully funded pilot training program is open for applications for its fourth year | News

British Airways’ fully funded pilot training program has opened for applications for the fourth year running, with the airline committing £18 million for up to 160 aspiring pilots.

Tens of thousands of candidates are expected to apply for a place at the highly competitive Speedbird Pilot Academy, with British Airways covering the £100,000 training costs for those who secure a place on the programme.

The scheme comes as new research shows there is significant untapped interest in aviation careers, with almost one in four (24%) British adults saying they would have considered becoming a pilot if the training had been fully funded.

To date, nearly 50 pilots have completed the Speedbird program, which is a major commitment by the airline to ensure talented candidates from all backgrounds can realize their dream of becoming a commercial pilot.

Despite this interest, awareness of fully funded pilot training remains low, with 87% of British adults saying they have never heard of programs that cover the costs of pilot training – underlining the importance of initiatives such as the Speedbird Pilot Academy.

Sean Doyle, Chairman and Chief Executive of British Airways, said: “The Speedbird Pilot Academy is an investment not only in British Airways, but in the future of British aviation.

“We want the very best talent for our future generation of pilots; by removing the cost, we open the opportunity to more people and make a flying career more accessible to everyone.”

Applications to secure a place on the Speedbird Pilot Academy open today, Tuesday 14 April 2026, via the British Airways Careers website and close on Thursday 23 April 2026. Those interested must be aged between 17 and 58 years old, and 18 years old at the start of training.

Candidates also need six GCSEs from grade AC or 4-9, including Mathematics, English Language and a Science or equivalent qualification, and must hold a valid passport allowing unrestricted travel around the world.

In previous years, more than 25,000 people have registered for a place in the scheme. Successful candidates will train with one of British Airways’ approved training partners before transitioning to a career in the cockpit.

Simon Cheadle, Director of Flight Operations at British Airways, said: “We are incredibly proud to reopen our doors to people who may never have believed that a career as a pilot was within reach. The response to the Speedbird Pilot Academy in previous years has been extraordinary, and the caliber of applicants shows just how much talent there is, talent that just needs the opportunity.

“By launching the program this year, we are investing not only in individuals, but also in the long-term future of British Airways and British aviation. This initiative strengthens our talent pipeline, supporting the future leadership of the sector and ensuring we continue to attract the very best flying talent for years to come.”

British Airways pilot and Speedbird Pilot Academy graduate Josh Bailey said: “Becoming a pilot always felt like a distant dream for someone like me. I didn’t go to university and the cost of education was completely out of reach, it was close to the value of the house I grew up in.

“The Speedbird Pilot Academy has changed my life. It has given me an opportunity I never thought possible and opened the door to a career I have wanted for as long as I can remember.

“From standing at my bedroom window as a child in Greater Manchester watching planes overhead, to now completing my A320 training with British Airways, it still doesn’t feel real.”