Application Opens for BA's Fully-Funded Pilot Training Program

British Airways’ fully-funded pilot training scheme has opened for applications for the fourth year running, with an £18m commitment by the airline for up to 160 aspiring pilots. 

Tens of thousands of applicants are expected to apply for a place on the highly-competitive Speedbird Pilot Academy, which sees British Airways covering the £100,000 training cost for those who land a spot on the programme.  

The scheme comes as new research reveals significant untapped interest in aviation careers, with almost one in four (24%) UK adults saying they would have considered becoming an airline pilot if training had been fully funded. 

So far, almost 50 pilots have come through the Speedbird scheme, marking a significant commitment by the airline to ensure talented applicants from all backgrounds are able to follow their dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot. 

Despite this interest, awareness of fully-funded pilot training remains low, with 87% of UK adults saying they have never heard of programmes that cover the cost of pilot training – underlining the importance of initiatives like the Speedbird Pilot Academy. 

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

Applicants also require six GCSEs grade A-C or 4-9, including Maths, English Language and a Science or equivalent qualifications, and hold a valid passport that permits unrestricted worldwide travel. 

Previous years have seen in excess of 25,000 people apply for a place on the scheme. Successful applicants will train with one of British Airways’ approved training partners before moving towards a career on the flight deck. 

For more information and applications. visit British Airways’ Careers site.