British Airways Invests in Future Crew with Speedbird Pilot Academy
○ British Airways' Speedbird Pilot Academy to fund training for up to 60 aspiring pilots per year.
On July 20, 2023, British Airways (BA) announced the launch of its new pilot cadet programme, the British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy.
The airline’s multi-million-pound investment will fund training for up to 60 aspiring pilots per year. Applications for the programme will open in September 2023, with training planned to commence in the new year, according to British Airways.
“Our aim is to attract the very best talent for our future generation of pilots. Whether someone is just leaving school or embarking on a second career they never thought possible, we’re levelling the playing field by removing the initial training cost barrier. This makes a flying career more accessible to a wider range of people and gives everyone an equal chance.”
–Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO.Ads
Programme Eligibility Requirements
The airline outlines the programme eligibility requirements, which include having 6 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade A-C or 5-9 (including English, Maths and one of the Sciences), being a minimum height of 5ft 2in, being aged between 18 and 55, and passing a UK CAA Class 1 Medical.
Successful candidates will be offered a place at an approved flight training school and, upon completion of the course, a position as a British Airways pilot.
