Gloucestershire, UK – British Airways and Skyborne Airline Academy have announced the opening of applications for the 2025 Speedbird Pilot Academy.  

The multi-million-pound training initiative, launched in 2023, offers aspiring pilots of all backgrounds a fully-funded path to the flight deck with British Airways. Successful candidates will undergo a joint selection process with BA and Skyborne, before training at the academy’s premier facilities in the UK and the United States.  

Upon completion of the UK CAA Integrated ATPL course, graduates will secure positions as First Officers with BA, marking the start of a remarkable career with the UK flag carrier. 

Lee Woodward, CEO, Skyborne, says: “As BA’s official UK partner, Skyborne is proud to lead the industry in removing financial barriers to entry. As a beneficiary of a funded programme myself, it is incredibly rewarding to offer another year of fully-funded flight training with Speedbird. BA’s continued investment is testament to our shared commitment in making pilot training accessible for all.” 

Lucy Silvester, pilot recruitment manager, British Airways, says: “Speedbird Pilot Academy really is an opportunity to level the playing field and dream big with some of the best flight training academies in the industry. To date, the initiative has been a huge success and we’re excited to continue to work with Skyborne to welcome the next group of talented individuals to a British Airways’ flight deck.”  

The scheme saw more than 20,000 applicants in its first year. Among them was Josh Bates, who is currently completing his single-engine phase of flight training with Skyborne in Vero Beach, Florida.

Josh Bates adds: “The Speedbird Pilot Academy has been a once in a lifetime opportunity. Skyborne’s expertise, flexibility, and world-class facilities have made my hopes of becoming a pilot a reality. With job security upon graduation, lifelong friends and invaluable lessons, I’m incredibly grateful to British Airways and Skyborne for the chance to fulfil my goal in a supportive and structured environment. Working so closely with the people at the heart of Skyborne truly helps maximise my potential and exceed my own expectations.”

Applicants must be aged between 18-55, with six GCSEs at grade A-C or 5-9, including Maths, English and Science, or an equivalent qualification. The application period for the Speedbird Pilot Academy will remain open for a minimum of one week.

About Skyborne
Skyborne Airline Academy is a premier airline training academy based at Vero Beach, Florida, United States, and Gloucestershire Airport in the United Kingdom. Established by industry experts, Skyborne brings a fresh approach to airline pilot training. 

Founders Tom Misner (chairman) and Lee Woodward (CEO) have unsurpassed experience in commercial aviation, education and training. Their vision has created a training environment where the highest standard of teaching, safety and relevant airline-style training is maintained, and interactive learning is encouraged. 

Using a combination of tried and tested methods and the latest technology to assess competence, suitability, aptitude and resilience, Skyborne recruits the very best candidates to minimise additional training, reduce failure rates and provide airlines with better pilots and cabin crew. 

Skyborne is proud to hold close relationships with the world’s leading airlines, offering opportunities for trainees as part of British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy, the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, the Propel Flight Academy by Delta and the SkyWest Professional Pilot Pathway. Skyborne is also the only academy to support DHL Air (UK) with a fully funded Integrated ATPL training initiative for its employees.

Source: Skyborne
Photo Credit: Skyborne