Aer Lingus Future Pilot Programme selection

Aer Lingus Future Pilot Programme selection: stages, tests and how to prepare

The Aer Lingus Future Pilot Programme is a fully sponsored pilot training course: 14 months of basic training, then a 4-month transition course at the Aer Lingus Training Academy in Dublin, ending with a Multi-crew Pilot’s Commercial Licence. Selection runs from online application and screening to online assessments, then a group assessment centre in Dublin and medicals. Aer Lingus funds training, accommodation and food and pays a small allowance; a bond applies. The 2025 round took applications until 10 February 2025 and was planned to start in September 2025. Checked against the Aer Lingus press release of 29 January 2025 and the careers page as archived on 25 February 2025.12

The careers page, as archived on 25 February 2025, listed the programme as closed for applications; the last published round took applications from 29 January to 10 February 2025 and was planned to start in September 2025. Checked 25 October 2026.2

Programme Overview

The Aer Lingus Future Pilot Programme is a fully sponsored pilot training course that combines theory and practical studies.1

Training Duration

Candidates undergo a 14-month basic training course followed by a 4-month transition course at the Aer Lingus Training Academy in Dublin.2

Start Date

For the 2025 round, successful candidates were due to begin their journey towards becoming a pilot in September 2025.2

Total Places

The programme aims to develop a total of 90 pilots over a five-year period.1

Licence Outcome

On qualifying, candidates receive a Multi-crew Pilot’s Commercial Licence, leading to roles as First Officer and eventually Captain.1

Cost and funding

Aer Lingus funds the training and accommodation and food in total during the course.2

Allowance

Aer Lingus provides a small allowance to candidates during the course.2

Bond Requirement

There is a bond covering training costs and associated expenses, which remains in place for a set period after commencing as a First Officer.2

Assessment Location

In the 2025 round, shortlisted candidates were invited to a group assessment stage in Dublin, scheduled between 24 March and 11 April 2025.2

Online Assessments

Candidates who progress through screening receive online assessments and are given 72 hours to complete them.2

Retake Policy

Candidates may be asked to retake the online assessments during the assessment centre stage.2

Accommodation

Accommodation and meals are available on campus as part of the integrated course.2

Travel Assistance

Aer Lingus does not provide travel assistance to candidates attending for assessments or interviews.2

Training Locations

Training begins at an international pilot academy before returning to the Aer Lingus Training Academy in Dublin.1

Mentoring Support

Candidates receive mentoring and support throughout training from the Aer Lingus Liaison Pilot.1

Diversity Encouragement

Aer Lingus encourages more female applicants to join the programme to help close aviation’s gender gap.1

Course Structure

The course combines classroom study and practical flight training in both aircraft and flight simulators.2

Assessment dates

Aer Lingus cannot change assessment centre dates or times, because only a very limited number of slots are available.2

End Date Estimate

For the 2025 intake, training was estimated to finish in December 2026.2

About Aer Lingus

Based in Ireland, Aer Lingus is a full-service airline. It flies under the IATA code EI and ICAO code EIN. Aircraft types in the fleet include the Airbus A320, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321LR, Airbus A321XLR, Airbus A330-200 and 1 other type. Its main hub: Dublin (DUB).

Aer Lingus runs a cadet route for future pilots: the Aer Lingus Future Pilot Programme. As of 2 December 2025, the programme was listed as closed to new applications. The careers portal for pilots is linked in the profile on this page. You will find the listed requirements on this page: age, education, right to work, medical certificate and licence. The selection is described stage by stage on this page.

What does Aer Lingus ask of pilots?

Application Window

Online applications for the 2025 programme opened on January 29, 2025, and closed on February 10, 2025.1

Age Requirement

Candidates had to be 18 on or before 10 February 2025.2

Right to Work

Applicants must be eligible to live and work permanently in the EU or Ireland.2

English Proficiency

Candidates must be fluent in both written and spoken English.2

Passport Requirement

A valid unrestricted worldwide passport is required for application.2

Education Standard

Candidates must have passed their Leaving Certificate (6 subjects) or equivalent; equivalents named are GCSE Maths and English at minimum grade C plus 3 A Levels at A2 with minimum grades C, C, D.2

Education Grades

Applicants need O5 grades in English and Mathematics at ordinary level or H6 at higher, plus two higher level subjects with minimum H5 grades.2

Alternative Qualifications

If educational grades are not met, candidates must hold a Level 7 third level degree or have completed a relevant aviation apprenticeship.2

Medical Certification

Candidates must obtain an EASA/IAA issued Class 1 Medical, including passing a colour blindness test.2

Security Vetting

Applicants must pass an airport security vetting procedure, including a five-year background check. Non-Irish citizens, and anyone who has lived outside the Republic of Ireland for six months or more, need a current police disclosure certificate if successful.2

References

Two verifiable references are required for the application.2

Interview and group exercise

Aer Lingus describes the people it wants as technically minded, mature, responsible and committed to succeed, with excellent communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills. Its key competencies are excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility to work outside normal office hours, strong communication, technical awareness, teamwork and leadership qualities, problem-solving and decision-making, motivation to keep performance high, and the ability to process large volumes of information in a short time. As general preparation, pick one or two real examples for each competency from school, work, sport or volunteering, and say them aloud until they sound natural. For the group assessment stage in Dublin, practise being useful to a group: listen, build on others’ ideas and keep the task moving. The programme page also stresses passion for aviation and for the Aer Lingus brand. Read about the airline’s routes and fleet so your motivation is specific.2

What you can practise here

This page describes the 2025 round, which is closed; use the weeks before any future round to prepare in this order. First gather your documents: your Leaving Certificate or equivalent results, any degree or aviation apprenticeship certificate, two verifiable references, a valid unrestricted passport and, if you are not an Irish citizen, a police disclosure certificate from your home country. An early Class 1 medical shows whether you meet the IAA medical and colour blindness limits. Then train for the online assessments by keeping maths, reasoning and English sharp, and rehearse your teamwork and decision-making examples aloud for the group assessment stage. The practice plan for this selection includes Group exercise practice. A Pass unlocks the practice modes in that plan and runs for a week, a month, three months or a year, with no subscription and no automatic renewal.

Questions candidates ask

Is the Aer Lingus Future Pilot Programme free? Yes, the programme is fully sponsored by the airline. Aer Lingus funds the training and accommodation/food in total. You will be responsible for any additional expenses incurred during the period of training. What are the educational requirements? You must have passed your Leaving Certificate (6 subjects) or equivalent. This requires O5 grades in English and Mathematics at ordinary level or H6 at higher, plus 2 higher level subjects with a minimum of H5 grades. If you do not meet these, you need a Level 7 third-level degree or relevant aviation apprenticeship. What is the application deadline? For the 2025 round, all completed online application forms had to be submitted by 10:00 GMT on Monday 10th February 2025. No further applications were to be accepted after that time. How long is the training course? The programme is 14 months of basic training followed by a 4-month transition course at the Aer Lingus Training Academy in Dublin. For the 2025 intake, training was estimated to finish in December 2026. What are the medical requirements? Part of the selection process involves passing a Class 1 and a pre-course medical. You must be able to obtain an EASA/IAA issued Class 1 Medical, including successfully passing a colour blindness test, and the IAA site lists the eyesight and colour blindness limits to check before you apply. Do I need a particular background to apply? Previous successful candidates have come from a diverse range of careers and backgrounds. Aer Lingus says many of its pilots joined from other industries and urges career changers to consider applying. The essential criteria cover age, English, right to work, passport, security vetting, references, a Class 1 medical and your education. Is there a bond or repayment clause? Yes, there will be a bond to cover the cost of your training and associated costs. If you leave immediately following qualification, you will be liable to repay the entire cost of your training. The amount due will reduce depending on how long you have remained in employment following qualification. What happens after the online application? Applications will be thoroughly screened. Candidates who progress through the screening will receive online assessments and will be given 72 hours to complete them. In the 2025 round, shortlisted candidates were then invited to the group assessment stage, scheduled in Dublin between 24 March and 11 April 2025. Can I change my assessment date? No, we cannot facilitate any changes to the dates. As there are a very limited number of slots available there is no room for any flexibility in changing dates and/or times for the assessment centres. You must attend the scheduled group assessment in Dublin. Do I get paid during the training? Aer Lingus fund the training and accommodation/food in total. Yes, Aer Lingus will provide a small allowance during the course. You should plan to have enough funds available to you for any additional personal expenses.12

CADET PROGRAMME