Jet2 reopens fully funded Jet2FlightPath training pathway for future pilots
February 17, 2026
Jet2 has launched its fully funded Jet2FlightPath training pathway for another year.
Jet2FlightPath has already sponsored 60 aspiring pilots to start their training at three providers: FTEJerez, based in Spain, Skyborne Airline Academy in Gloucestershire, Bournemouth and Vero Beach (US) and Leading Edge Aviation in Oxford.
“With the programme expanding to fund a further 60 candidates this year, even more future aviators will gain access to a fully sponsored Integrated Commercial Pilot Training pathway, a route that typically costs over £100,000,” Jet2 said.
Jet2 opens fully funded pilot training programme
Applications for the upcoming intake have opened today, 17 February.
Jet2 asks cadets to have five GCSEs (or equivalent), at grades 4-9 (A-C), English language proficiency (IELTS 5.5) and an unrestricted right to live and work in the UK
Candidates will need to undergo a comprehensive assessment and interview process before embarking on the 18-month Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) training course.
On completion, trainees will progress to Type Rating training on either an Airbus or Boeing aircraft, joining Jet2 as fully qualified pilots.
The scheme goes beyond technical training. Trainees will also be immersed in Jet2’s wider operation, gaining hands-on experience in customer-facing roles such as cabin crew and ground operations.
Phenomenal response to last year’s pilot training scheme
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com said: “We are delighted to reopen applications for Jet2FlightPath after a phenomenal response to the first year of the programme.
“Our fully-funded pilot training programme helps overcome the cost of training and is already making the dream of flying a reality for many who thought it was beyond their means.
“We are very proud of the success that the programme is already having in terms of opening up flying for everyone, and we look forward to receiving applications for this year.”
The issue of funding for pilot training has been in the spotlight for several years, and while more airlines are now offering funded placements, there has been no wholesale reform of the system to open the career up to a wider cross-section of society.
Pilot training schools tackling the funding crisis
Leading Edge Aviation is working to tackle the issue. The ATO recently launched its third partly funded fATPL and Flight Instructor Pilot Training Programme, with applications open to both UK and EU nationals who meet the entry requirements.
The scheme will offer 16 part-funded places for trainee commercial airline pilots, who will also qualify as flight instructors.
According to the academy, the programme can reduce training costs by up to 82%, with candidates able to choose either an integrated or modular training route.
Graduates will also be offered three years’ guaranteed employment as flight instructors at the company’s training campus in Alhama, southern Spain.
Commenting on the latest Jet2 training programme, Andy McFarlane, CEO of Leading Edge Aviation, said: “We are incredibly proud to play a pivotal role in this remarkable initiative once again.
“Our first cohort has settled seamlessly into academy life and is already demonstrating the professionalism and passion that define the next generation of aviation excellence.
“The relaunch of Jet2FlightPath highlights both our organisations’ commitment to making pilot training more inclusive and accessible, and we are honoured to help shape the highly skilled pilots of tomorrow.”
Featured image: Jet2
