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Application (one TUI AOC per cycle)
Applications for the 2026 TUI Airline Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) Cadet Programme closed on 31st January 2026. Qualified pilots with a valid licence can also apply for First Officer positions.12
The TUI MPL Cadet Programme
What is the MPL Cadet Programme?
TUI launched the scheme in December 2022, becoming the first UK airline to launch an MPL Cadet Scheme in almost 20 years. For the 2026 intake, the 19-month programme was designed for those who have no, or very little flying experience, and aimed to qualify you to fly the Boeing 737 as a Cadet Pilot from one of TUI's UK bases. The first cohort had 30 cadets chosen from 6,700 applications. You will be instructed by TUI Airline trainers throughout the course. The job offer is conditional on completing training to the required standard, and training could be terminated if you fail an exam or progress test after two consecutive attempts.41
How is the training funded?
The programme includes all course and training costs, upfront training and licence fees, ATPL theory exam fees, uniform, and the initial Class 1 medical and renewals. Accommodation is provided when you are required to be away from home during practical phases 1 to 4. You are responsible for personal travel, food and personal living expenses, and you will not receive allowances whilst training. Upon completion of training and joining TUI, training costs are deducted over a four year period pre-tax. A bond applies to cover the cost of training, meaning you will be liable to pay back some or all of your training costs if you leave within the first four years of employment as a pilot.1
What happens after training?
You will be issued with a conditional offer of employment with TUI Airways on commencement of your course. However, you must complete your training to the required standard to proceed with a career as a cadet entry pilot. On qualifying, you will be issued with a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) to operate a Boeing 737 as a co-pilot. This can be upgraded to an ATPL when you are at least 21 years old and have a minimum of 1500 hours flying time.1
Key requirements listed by TUI Airways
TUI Airways lists further requirements on its own site.1
About TUI Airline
TUI Airline is a leisure airline from Germany. TUI Airways, TUI fly Belgium, TUI fly Germany, TUI fly Netherlands and 1 more are part of TUI Airline and have their own pages here.
TUI Airline recruits licensed pilots as direct-entry first officers. The careers portal for pilots is linked in the profile on this page. This page sets out the selection in 5 stages.
The five phases
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Psychometric Assessments
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Assessment CentrePractise this phase
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Simulator Assessment
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Pilot Talent Pool
TUI Airline at a glance
- Country
- Germany
- Direct entry
- First officers2
GROUP AIRLINES, ACADEMIES AND PROGRAMMESTUI Airways · selection guideTUI fly Belgium · selection guideTUI fly Germany · selection guideTUI fly Netherlands · selection guideTUI fly Nordic
PILOT DISCUSSIONS
From the pilot community
What pilots discussed, with the year it came up.
How do Jet2 and TUI differ in their seasonal aircraft basing at Newcastle?
Read moreShow less
Community members said Jet2 tends to keep based aircraft where they are for most of the year, which can lead to longer seasons so the aircraft remain productive. By contrast, TUI was described as moving aircraft between bases during winter and reducing services such as Greek routes from October at many locations. One view linked this to the package holiday model of TUI, where resort staffing and accommodation contracts make a short extra season less cost-effective even if some marginal airline revenue remains.
What does TUI Airline ask of pilots?
- English proficiency
- Fluent in English (verbal and written) to the standard of ICAO Level 51
- Right to work
- Eligible to live and work indefinitely in the UK without additional approvals (visa sponsorship cannot be given for this role)1
- Passport
- A valid passport which permits unrestricted worldwide travel1
- Medical
- Meet the requirements for the issue of a CAA Class One Medical1
- Prior exams
- Only candidates who have not previously attempted an ATPL exam (regardless of the result) are eligible to apply1
How does the MPL training work?
The MPL training takes approximately 19 months to complete. It begins with 750 hours or 6.5 months of ATPL theoretical knowledge, combining remote Computer-Based Training, virtual classroom learning, and in-person classes. Phase 1 covers Core Flying Skills in Oxford, with approximately 65 hours in a Diamond DA40 aircraft and Upset Prevention & Recovery Training. Phase 2 involves about 144 hours in a B737 fixed base simulator in Gatwick to learn instrument flying in a multi-crew environment. Phase 3 includes approximately 16 hours in a B737 full flight simulator at Gatwick. Phase 4 consists of the final elements of the B737 Type Rating, including about 20 hours on a full flight simulator and circuit training. While the course information names Oxford and Gatwick, flying and simulator training takes place within a TUI approved training facility which may be outside of the UK.1
Can qualified pilots apply to TUI Airways?
According to the general FAQ, you need to be in possession of your licence before you apply. For UK operations, a valid UK CAA licence is required. For type-rated positions, you must have a valid and current type rating for the required aircraft when your employment begins.2
What happens after First Officer selection?
According to the general FAQ, successful candidates are placed into the Pilot Talent Pool for up to 12 months. If you do not receive an offer, you will be able to submit a new application. In the UK, bases are assigned according to operational needs.2
What aircraft does TUI Airline operate?
TUI Airline operates Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft to more than 80 destinations worldwide. The airline expects pilots to embrace a customer-focused culture.3
- 1MPL Cadet Programme: About the Job · TUI Group Careers · accessed 10 Oct 2026
- 2Pilot FAQ for TUI Airline · TUI Group Careers · accessed 10 Oct 2026
- 3Pilots | Careers at TUI · TUI Group Careers · accessed 10 Oct 2026
- 4Cabin crew, chefs, doctors and veterans become TUI's first MPL cadets · TUI UK Media Centre · published 23 Aug 2023 · accessed 10 Oct 2026
- 5TUI Group - Wikipedia · accessed 11 Oct 2026
