BA Speedbird Academy opens for applications
February 14, 2025
Aspiring pilots have a fresh opportunity to launch their careers as British Airways opens applications for the next round of its coveted Speedbird Academy programme.
This year, the airline is offering 200 fully-funded cadetships, making it one of the most competitive training schemes in the industry.
The application window, which closes on 21 February, is expected to attract thousands of candidates.
Successful applicants will undergo training at one of BA’s two approved training providers: FTEJerez, based at Jerez de la Frontera Airport in Spain, or Skyborne Airline Academy at Gloucestershire Airport in the UK.
Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said last year when the scheme was first announced: “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.”
