ABOVE: As easyJet expands it will need a thousand new pilots by 2031
British low cost operator easyJet has appointed Skyborne Airline Academy as an official training partner in a new agreement that will see 500 pilots trained over the next five years. The partnership reflects the airline’s continued growth and long-term demand for flight crew across its network, as it is planning to recruit 1,000 new pilots by 2031.
Under the agreement, Skyborne will deliver an integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) programme through the airline’s Flight Crew Futures initiative. The remaining 500 pilots will be trained via an existing Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) route with CAE.
Although the course is self-funded, easyJet says cadets will have a clear pathway to employment upon successful completion, addressing one of the key uncertainties traditionally associated with pilot training. The ATPL pathway is designed for candidates with little or no prior flying experience and offers a structured route from initial training through to airline employment.
Successful applicants receive a conditional job offer from easyJet before beginning training, alongside mentoring throughout the programme. The programme will accept candidates year-round, with classes capped at around twenty trainees per intake. Total training costs are estimated at approximately £129,000 including an A320 Type Rating. An optional undergraduate degree with the University of West London is also available during the training programme at an additional £12,800.
PHOTO: AIRBUS
