British Airways announced on Monday that it plans to help some prospective pilots pay for flight training in full. A tightening pilot shortage coupled with increasing travel demand has forced many air carriers to think differently about pilot recruitment. Consulting group OliverWyman expects the aviation sector to be short nearly 80,000 pilots by 2032.
According to a press release, British Airways will fund training for up to 60 successful candidates per year as part of its Speedbird Pilot Academy program. The airline will also fund associated living expenses, such as housing and food, during the 16-month training period.
“The Speedbird Pilot Academy will make the ambition of becoming a British Airways pilot a reality for people who’d previously written the option off because of the cost barrier,” added British Airways CEO Sean Doyle in a press release.
How to Apply
The airline says anyone between the ages of 18 and 55 when they start their training can apply for the program. No prior flying experience is necessary. Upon completion of training, successful trainees will receive a fully-salaried position with the airline.
Applications are available via the British Airways career page.
Airlines around the globe continue to reinvent the wheel in tackling the pilot shortage. United Airlines opened its own flight academy outside of Phoenix, Ariz. in 2022. Many ultra-low-cost carriers, including Spirit and Frontier, have forged relationships with flight schools and universities to directly hire new pilots.
