airline cadet programs europe

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Airline Cadet Pilot Programs in Europe (2024 Guide)

Europe has several airline cadet programs that provide structured training pathways from zero experience to an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Some programs are fully sponsored, while others are self-funded with financing options.

1. British Airways Future Pilot Programme (UK)

Type: Self-funded (financing available)
Pathway: L3Harris, CAE → British Airways
Eligibility: UK/EU citizens Minimum age: 18 High school diploma with Math, Physics & English EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate
Job Guarantee: Yes, direct entry to British Airways
Duration: ~18-24 months

2. Lufthansa European Flight Academy (Germany)

Type: Partially sponsored
Pathway: Lufthansa Flight Academy → Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Eurowings)
Eligibility: EU citizens Minimum age: 18 High school diploma with Math & Physics EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate
Job Guarantee: Yes, pathway to Lufthansa Group airlines
Duration: ~2 years

3. Ryanair Mentored Cadet Programme (Europe)

Type: Self-funded
Pathway: CAE, Bartolini Air, FTEJerez → Ryanair First Officer
Eligibility: Open to EU & international applicants Minimum age: 18 High school diploma with Math & English EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate
Job Guarantee: Yes, conditional offer from Ryanair
Duration: ~18 months

4. Wizz Air Cadet Pilot Programme (Hungary/EU)

Type: Self-funded (loan options available)
Pathway: Approved flight schools → Wizz Air First Officer
Eligibility: EU/EEA citizens Minimum age: 18 High school diploma with Math & English EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate
Job Guarantee: Yes, conditional offer from Wizz Air
Duration: ~18-24 months

5. Air France Cadet Pilot Programme (France)

Type: Fully sponsored
Pathway: ENAC (École Nationale de l'Aviation Civile) → Air France
Eligibility: EU citizens Minimum age: 18 High school diploma with strong Math & Physics EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate
Job Guarantee: Yes, direct entry to Air France
Duration: ~2 years

6. easyJet MPL Cadet Programme (UK & Europe)

Type: Self-funded
Pathway: L3Harris, CAE → easyJet First Officer
Eligibility: UK/EU citizens Minimum age: 18 High school diploma with Math & English EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate
Job Guarantee: Yes, conditional offer from easyJet
Duration: ~18 months

7. TUI Airways Cadet Pilot Programme (Europe)

Type: Self-funded
Pathway: Approved flight schools → TUI Airways First Officer
Eligibility: EU citizens Minimum age: 18 High school diploma with Math & Physics EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate
Job Guarantee: Yes, conditional offer from TUI Airways
Duration: ~18-24 months

Comparison of European Cadet Pilot Programs

Airline

Country

Sponsorship

Job Guarantee

Eligibility

Duration

British Airways

Self-funded

Yes

UK/EU citizens

18-24 months

Lufthansa

Germany

Partially sponsored

Yes

EU citizens

~2 years

Ryanair

Europe

Self-funded

Yes

Open to international students

~18 months

Wizz Air

Hungary/EU

Self-funded

Yes

EU/EEA citizens

~18-24 months

Air France

France

Fully sponsored

Yes

EU citizens

~2 years

easyJet

UK/EU

Self-funded

Yes

UK/EU citizens

~18 months

TUI Airways

Europe

Self-funded

Yes

EU citizens

~18-24 months

General Requirements for Most Cadet Programs in Europe

Age: 18+ years
Education: High school diploma (Math & English required)
English Proficiency: ICAO Level 4 or higher (TOEFL/IELTS for non-native speakers)
Medical: EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate
Flight Training: MPL or ATPL training through approved flight schools

How to Apply

Check airline websites for program openings.
Submit applications & required documents (academic results, resume).
Pass entrance tests (math, physics, aptitude, English proficiency).
Complete interviews & simulator assessments.
Obtain financing or sponsorship (if applicable).
Secure a visa (for international students).

Which Program is Best for You?

Want a fully sponsored program? → Air France Cadet Program
Want an affordable self-funded option? → Ryanair or Wizz Air Cadet Program
Looking for a UK-based training program? → British Airways, easyJet, or TUI Airways
Prefer a direct airline job guarantee? → Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, or Lufthansa

Need Help?

Would you like assistance in choosing a specific cadet program, preparing for entrance exams, or financing options? Let me know!

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