The UK’s first ever apprenticeship scheme for commercial airline pilots has been cleared for take-off.
The scheme is designed to open up the career to talented potential pilots from less affluent backgrounds who might be put off by the high cost of training.
"Anyone wanting to become a pilot usually has to find around £100,000 to fund their training which puts a flying career out of reach for too many people," said BALPA head of membership and career services Wendy Pursey.
"Piloting should be an equal opportunities career; we hope the new pilot apprenticeship programme will make that a reality for more people."
The apprenticeship has been put together by the Aviation Industry Skills Board specialist sub-group and has the backing of BALPA and the Honourable Company of Air Pilots.
It is being supported by British Airways, Flybe, EasyJet and Virgin Atlantic Airways.
