Applications are now open for the multi-million-pound training initiative which offers a fully funded path to the flight deck with British Airways, offering talented candidates the opportunity to begin a rewarding career with the airline, regardless of their background. Following a joint selection process, students will embark upon Skyborne’s UK CAA Integrated ATPL programme with £99,500 of tuition costs covered in full.

A significant majority of places for the 2023 Speedbird Pilot Academy intake will be available via Skyborne, with British Airways committed to increasing take-up from under-represented groups in aviation including people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and women.

Carla Booth, Group Head of Airline Business, Skyborne, adds: “This initiative marks the first British Airways sponsored programme since the mid-1990s, giving hope to diverse communities that have long found the cost of pilot training prohibitive.  Together we hope to play a pivotal role in driving change, securing the pilot pipeline and showing young people from all walks of life how exciting an airline career can be.”

Applicants must be aged between 18-55, with six GCSEs at grade A-C or 5-9, including Maths, English and one of the Sciences. For further detail and a full list of entry requirements please visit Skyborne’s website.

The Speedbird Pilot Academy is just one route to a career with British Airways. In July 2023, Skyborne was announced as a partner for the airline’s 2023/2024 whitetail pilot recruitment drive, giving current trainees and graduates the opportunity to secure a conditional offer upon finishing their flight training.