BRITISH Airways has announced a GBP21 million (US$27 million) investment to train 200 prospective pilots.
The scheme is aimed at providing the prospective pilots the chance to follow their dream of flying for a commercial airline without the worry of self-funding the GBP100,000 cost of training, opening the door to being a pilot to more people than ever before.
The Speedbird Pilot Academy aims to attract the very best talent for the future generation of pilots while boosting social mobility and diversity within the airline's pilot community, reports Air Cargo Week, Surrey, UK.
Launched last year and open to applicants annually, the Academy is already training 100 future british Airways pilots who managed to beat off competition from more than 20,000 candidates to have the cost of their tuition paid for by the airline.
Funding was in place for an initial 100 places on the 2025 programme, which has now been increased to 200.
It takes two years to complete training and become a qualified First Officer with the airline. British Airways currently employs around 4,000 pilots.
British Airways made the announcement during the airline's appearance at Farnborough International Airshow, where it is exhibiting a brand new A320neo aircraft complete with new interiors.
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The scheme is aimed at providing the prospective pilots the chance to follow their dream of flying for a commercial airline without the worry of self-funding the GBP100,000 cost of training, opening the door to being a pilot to more people than ever before.
The Speedbird Pilot Academy aims to attract the very best talent for the future generation of pilots while boosting social mobility and diversity within the airline's pilot community, reports Air Cargo Week, Surrey, UK.
Launched last year and open to applicants annually, the Academy is already training 100 future british Airways pilots who managed to beat off competition from more than 20,000 candidates to have the cost of their tuition paid for by the airline.
Funding was in place for an initial 100 places on the 2025 programme, which has now been increased to 200.
It takes two years to complete training and become a qualified First Officer with the airline. British Airways currently employs around 4,000 pilots.
British Airways made the announcement during the airline's appearance at Farnborough International Airshow, where it is exhibiting a brand new A320neo aircraft complete with new interiors.
SeaNews Turkey
