Airline and package holiday operator Jet2 has launched its first full-funded pilot training programme, through which it hopes to recruit 60 people.
The Leeds Bradford Airport-based carrier - now the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's third largest airline - says the move will help aspiring pilots to avoid the self fund the £100,000-plus cost of training. Applications are now open for the Jet2FlightPath programme which is open to pilots of all backgrounds in a move designed to support social mobility and promote diversity within the profession.
The move follows similar by airline contemporaries such as British Airways, which last year fully funded 200 places on its pilot training programme in a similar effort to boost diversity. Tui Airways, part of the wider TUI group, also launched a multi-crew pilot licence earlier this year.
Following an initial selection process that includes assessments and interviews, Jet2 candidates will be given a place on a fully funded 18-month Airline Transport Pilot Licence course in either the º£½ÇÊÓƵ, Spain or the US. Once trainees have completed that course, they will be offered Type Rating training on either an Airbus or Boeing aircraft, to become a Jet2.com pilot.
The airline is working with training providers Skyborne Airline Academy, Leading Edge and FTE Jerez. Learners will also get exposure to other customer-facing roles in the group such as cabin crew and ground operations.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: "The launch of this brand-new and fully funded pilot training programme is momentous news for Jet2.com and for aspiring pilots.
"We know that the cost of training is an obstacle to many people who dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot, so we are very proud to announce this ground breaking programme which will help us make that dream become a reality for many, including those who may have thought that the opportunity was beyond their means.
"By opening this incredible opportunity up to so many people from so many backgrounds, we expect the programme to be extremely popular, so we look forward to receiving applications and helping many wonderful flying careers take off."
Candidates need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including maths and a science subject, or equivalent qualifications. Jet2 says the criteria makes it among the most accessible programmes. Jet2 employs more than 1,800 pilots and this summer will operate a fleet of 135 aircraft.
