UK’s Flag Carrier, British Airways, Selects Skyborne for its Pilot Training Academy Program

British Airways, the UK’s flag carrier, is announcing Skyborne as the official UK partner for its first Speedbird Pilot Academy.

Applications are now open for the multi-million-pound training initiative which offers a fully funded path to the flight deck with British Airways, offering talented candidates the opportunity to begin a rewarding career with the airline, regardless of their background. Following a joint selection process, students will embark upon Skyborne’s UK CAA Integrated ATPL programme with £99,500 of tuition costs covered in full.

Lee Woodward, CEO, Skyborne, says: “As we cement our relationship with British Airways, Skyborne leads as the most trusted airline academy in the industry. Marking our first UK partnership with the UK’s largest international airline is testament to the solid track record ofour team and the core values we jointly hold. From the very start, Skyborne has been committed to removing the barriers to entry to pilot training and widening the talent pool. As a graduate of a British Airways sponsored programme, I know first-hand the life-changing impact such initiatives have and I applaud BA for its industry-leading Speedbird Pilot Academy.”

Captain Ian Pringle, Head of Flight Training, British Airways, says: By removing initial training costs, we’re making a flying career truly accessible so we can recruit the best and the brightest candidates. We trust in Skyborne to offer our trainees world-class facilities, innovative teaching methods and a wealth of airline experience, building a crucial foundation for their future.”

A significant majority of places for the 2023 Speedbird Pilot Academy intake will be available via Skyborne, with British Airways committed to increasing take-up from under-represented groups in aviation including people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and women.

Carla Booth, Group Head of Airline Business, Skyborne, adds: This initiative marks the first British Airways sponsored programme since the mid-1990s, giving hope to diverse communities that have long found the cost of pilot training prohibitive.  Together we hope to play a pivotal role in driving change, securing the pilot pipeline and showing young people from all walks of life how exciting an airline career can be.

Applicants must be aged between 18-55, with six GCSEs at grade A-C or 5-9, including Maths, English and one of the Sciences. For further detail and a full list of entry requirements please visit: skyborne.com/uk/british-airways-speedbird/.

The Speedbird Pilot Academy is just one route to a career with British Airways. In July 2023, Skyborne was announced as a partner for the airline’s 2023/2024 whitetail pilot recruitment drive, giving current trainees and graduates the opportunity to secure a conditional offer uponfinishing their flight training.

About Skyborne 

Skyborne Airline Academy is a modern 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), Lee Woodward (CEO) and Ian Cooper (COO) have unsurpassed experience in commercial aviation, education and training. It is their vision to create 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 aims to recruit the very best candidates to minimize 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 Delta Propel Career Path Program, the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme, and the SkyWest Professional Pilot Pathway. 

Source: Skyborne Airline Academy
Photo Credit: British Airways

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UK’s Flag Carrier, British Airways, Opens Applications for Pilot Training Program that will Fully Fund 60 Prospective Pilots

Prospective pilots can from September 19, 2023 apply for a place on a new British Airways scheme that will see the £100,000 cost of their training covered entirely by the airline.

The national flag carrier’s Speedbird Pilot Academy programme will lift the previously prohibitive cost barrier of training to become an airline pilot for up to 60 successful candidates a year – helping to level the playing field and make a flying career a realistic option for all.

It is hoped that by removing the high costs associated with pilot training from the applicant, people from across all communities will be encouraged to apply.

Successful recruits will also have accommodation and food costs covered during their 16-month training period, making it the only airline scheme that removes all associated costs from the individual.

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said:

“The Speedbird Pilot Academy will make the ambition of becoming a British Airways pilot a reality for people who’d previously written the option off because of the cost barrier. Our aim is to attract the very best talent out there 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 to make a flying career more accessible to a wider range of people and giving everyone an equal chance. We fly to more than 200 destinations around the world on a range of aircraft types, providing pilots with an abundance of opportunities and making a career as a British Airways pilot extremely rewarding. This first-in-a-generation initiative will allow anyone to make it a reality.”

Applications for the scheme can now be submitted via the airline’s careers website, and applicants are being encouraged to apply quickly, as due to the expected unprecedented demand, will close within seven days. Training will begin early next year and upon completion of the course, recruits will land a full-time, salaried pilot position with the airline.

British Airways is working closely with Fantasy Wings, the leading UK organisation for diversity in aviation and a member of the BA Better World Community Fund, to promote the scheme to young people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, other communities around the country and young women in the aviation industry.

British Airways’ Senior First Officer and former cadet, Hannah Vaughan, 32, described the scheme as ‘groundbreaking’, and said it was important for the airline to attract the top applicants and remove barriers that may have put people off previously.

She said: “This programme is a real leveller and opens a pilot career to everyone, not just those who can afford the initial training costs. I’m really proud to be flying for an airline offering this opportunity and would urge anyone who is interested in a highly rewarding career flying to destinations around the world to apply. I know there will be a lot of people who have never thought of being a pilot as a realistic option for them, but this cadet scheme changes that – and might just change your life.”

To encourage more applicants to apply, Hannah’s determined to bust some of the current myths to help set straight some common misconceptions about becoming a professional airline pilot.

MYTH: You need to be rich to train as a pilot.

TRUTH: This is false. The British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy is entirely funded by the airline.

MYTH: You can only become a pilot if you have a university degree.

TRUTH: This is false. The new cadet scheme offers a great career without the need for a degree.

MYTH: You need to have A-Level qualifications to apply for a role as a pilot.

TRUTH: False, A-Levels are not required. You just need six GCSEs to apply to the cadet scheme. (Six GCSEs grade A-C or 5-9 including Maths, English and a Science or equivalent qualifications).

MYTH: You need to be a maths or science genius.

TRUTH: A lot of people think this, but it isn’t true. As long as you meet the GCSE requirements you can apply.

MYTH: You need perfect eyesight – if you’re short-sighted you can’t apply.

TRUTH: No, you can fly for commercial airlines with glasses or contact lenses.

MYTH: You have to be under 40 to apply.

TRUTH: Anyone who will be between the ages of 18 and 55 when they start their training can apply. Everyone has an equal chance of being successful.

MYTH: If you’ve got no flying experience you’ve got no chance of being considered. You need a private pilot licence first to train as a commercial pilot.

TRUTH: Having flying experience or a private pilot licence isn’t a requirement to apply for the cadet scheme. That said, if you can, you may wish to try a short trial flight which can be in a glider or light aircraft to make sure that you enjoy the feeling of flying. There are many scholarships available which may help with this.

Source: British Airways
Photo Credit: British Airways

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European Flight School, FTEJerez, Selected as Official Preferred Supplier for British Airways’ New Pilot Training Academy Program

British Airways has announced prospective pilots can from September 19, 2023 apply for a place on a new British Airways scheme that will see the entire cost of their training covered entirely by the airline – helping to level the playing field and make a flying career a realistic option for all.

FTEJerez, having been associated with British Airways for more than 30 years, is proud to have been chosen by BA once again as an official preferred supplier for the new Speedbird Pilot Academy programme.

On this regard, Oscar Sordo, FTEJerez CEO, commented: “at FTEJerez we are well aware of the responsibility we undertake in having to mould the selected BA trainees into first class pilots and the future captains of British Airways. We are at the same time confident that our experience, ideal training environment, and expertise, will allow us to deliver the quality training demanded by British Airways.”

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said: “The Speedbird Pilot Academy will make the ambition of becoming a British Airways pilot a reality for people who’d previously written the option off because of the cost barrier. Our aim is to attract the very best talent out there 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 to make a flying career more accessible to a wider range of people and giving everyone an equal chance. We fly to more than 200 destinations around the world on a range of aircraft types, providing pilots with an abundance of opportunities and making a career as a British Airways pilot extremely rewarding. This first-in-a-generation initiative will allow anyone to make it a reality.”

Applications for the scheme can now be submitted via the airline’s careers website, and applicants are being encouraged to apply quickly, as due to the expected unprecedented demand, will close within seven days. Training will begin early next year and upon completion of the course, recruits will land a full-time, salaried pilot position with the airline.

Source: FTEJerez
Photo Credit: British Airways

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Indian Airline Zoom Airlines Revives Air Operator Certificate to Commence Commercial Passenger Operations

Zooom Airlines has received the official clearance to commence commercial passenger operations in India. The Gurugram-based airline received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the DGCA adding another promising airline solution to the domestic travelers.

The AOC is a crucial certification for any airline, as it signifies that an operator has met the stringent safety, operational, and regulatory standards set by the civil aviation authorities. With the receipt of this certification, Zooom Airlines is now officially cleared to commence commercial passenger operations in India.

Zooom Airlines CEO Atul Gambhir shared his excitement about this achievement, saying, “Receiving the Air Operator Certificate is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safety and operational excellence. We are grateful to our dedicated team for helping us reach this significant milestone. With our AOC in hand, we are look forward to providing passengers with a top-notch travel experience that combines convenience, efficiency, and comfort.”

The AOC marks the beginning of an exciting journey for Zooom Airlines, which aims to redefine the aviation landscape by offering innovative solutions and exceptional services to passengers. Mr. Gambhire added, “Our Crj 200 aircraft will provide domestic travellers with unprecedented speed on each route. We wish to cater to the growing number of domestic travellers who take frequent flights and expect comfortable travel with reliable speed.”

“Indian domestic aviation is growing, and customers are looking for the most cost-effective, safe, and convenient solutions. We are confident in our ability to carve out a niche by offering a unique and innovative travel experience,” he added. The airline has ambitious plans for expansion and introducing new routes, ensuring that travelers have more options and seamless connectivity in the region and beyond.

He concluded, “With the AOC of Zooom we are glad to be part of Indian aviation’s domestic passenger sector. We hope to push the boundaries of innovation and forge enduring partnerships to provide an unparalleled experience to customers.”

 

Source: Zoom Airlines

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