British Airways (BA/BAW) has announced £21 million worth of funding for up to 200 aspiring pilots to learn to become commercial airline pilots through its Speedbird Pilot Academy.
Announcing the news at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the Speedbird Pilot Academy and the opportunity it provides to those talented individuals who have held a lifetime ambition of becoming a commercial airline pilot, but have perhaps found it difficult to independently fund their training.
“The standard of applicants we see for this programme are consistently high so as part of our commitment to attracting the very best candidates from right across society, we’ve increased the 2025 cohort to give as many people as possible the chance of realising their dream.”
The academy will fully fund trainee pilots from zero hours to flying for a commercial airline so talented individuals have the opportunity to follow their dreams without the £100,000 needed for a self-funded route.
Since its launch last year, the academy is already training 100 future British Airways pilots who come from all backgrounds with the airline placing a strong focus on social mobility and diversity.
Speedbird Pilot Academy cadet Melanie Odden from Hertfordshire, said: “I have been fascinated by aviation since I was young and becoming a pilot has been a lifelong dream of mine, with the aspiration to one day become a training captain. Unfortunately, there have been barriers preventing me from reaching these goals. I started in a different career path and have a young family, with my little one now being three years old.
“When British Airways announced that they would be providing funded spaces for students on their Speedbird Academy I had to apply. I never thought I would become one of the lucky few. I am now three months into my training and it still doesn’t quite feel real. It is hard work, and trying to juggle family life with study can be difficult, but I know it will be worth it and I am so grateful that British Airways is giving people a chance to realise their dreams without financial barriers.”
Ryan Street, a Speedbird Pilot Academy cadet from Stockport added: “Applying for the Speedbird Pilot Academy and being selected for such a highly-competitive opportunity was a dream come true, knowing that I would finally be able to achieve the career I had always wanted. Without the assistance British Airways provided with this cadetship, I might not have ever been able to afford the current training costs, so I am thankful to them that they are able to provide this wonderful opportunity for those that might never have been able to get this far.”
British Airways made the announcement at their first-ever visit to the Farnborough International Airshow where they are displaying an Airbus A320neo featuring the latest cabin interior for the airline.
