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Online application form and CV submission
TUI Airline MPL Cadet Programme selection: stages, tests and how to prepare
The TUI Airline MPL Cadet Programme trains you from no flying experience to a Boeing 737 co-pilot role over about 19 months. The latest published round, for courses planned from June to September 2026, closed to applications on 31 January 2026. Selection runs through online application and assessments, a digital interview, an assessment centre at East Midlands Airport and simulator assessments at London Gatwick. There is no upfront fee; training costs are deducted from your Second Officer salary over four years. All facts checked 25 October 2026.1
Latest published round: applications closed 31 January 2026 for courses starting June to September 2026. Checked 25 October 2026.1
- Programme Overview
- The TUI Airline Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) Cadet Programme involves initial flying training over a 19-month period to fly the Boeing 737 as a Cadet Pilot from UK bases.1
- Training Provider
- The MPL programme is developed by TUI Airline and instructed by TUI Airline trainers throughout the course.1
- Theoretical Training Phase
- The theoretical training phase lasts 750 hours over 6.5 months and includes completing 13 ATPL exams.1
- Theoretical Training Location
- Theory training combines remote Computer-Based Training, virtual classroom learning from home, and in-person classroom learning.1
- Phase 1 Training
- Phase 1 involves basic single pilot flying in a Diamond DA40 aircraft for approximately 65 hours over 4 months in Oxford.1
- Phase 2 Training
- Phase 2 focuses on multi-crew operations and instrument flying in a B737 fixed base simulator for approximately 144 hours over 5 months in Gatwick.1
- Phase 3 Training
- Phase 3 is intermediate flying training in a B737 full flight simulator for approximately 16 hours over 3 months in Gatwick.1
- Phase 4 Training
- Phase 4 is advanced flying training: the final elements of the B737 Type Rating, including approximately 20 hours on a full flight simulator and circuit training on the B737, over approximately 3 months in Gatwick.1
- Funding Coverage
- The programme covers all course and training costs, upfront training and licence fees, accommodation during practical phases 1 to 4, uniform, ATPL theory exam fees, equipment such as manuals and an iPad, and the initial Class 1 medical and its renewals.1
- Excluded Expenses
- Personal travel, food, and personal living expenses are not included and remain the responsibility of the student pilot.1
- Salary During Training
- You will not receive a salary or allowances while completing your training.1
- Post-Qualification Salary
- Upon joining TUI, you will be paid a Second Officer salary with a current full-time equivalent pre-deduction figure of £68,459.1
- Cost Deduction
- Training costs are deducted from your salary over a four-year period pre-tax after completion of training and joining TUI.1
- Bond Condition
- There is a bond covering training costs, requiring repayment of some or all costs if you leave within the first four years of employment.1
- Licence Outcome
- Graduates are issued a Multi-Pilot Licence (MPL) enabling operation of a Boeing 737 as co-pilot for commercial air transport.1
- Application Deadline
- Applications for the 2026 round closed on 31 January 2026.1
- Course Start Dates
- For the 2026 intake, TUI planned courses to start in June, July and September 2026.1
- Deferral Policy
- In the 2026 round places could not be deferred; successful candidates were offered a 2026 course start date only.1
- Reapplication Rule
- If your application is rejected you can resubmit next year; TUI cannot give individual feedback.1
About TUI Airline MPL Cadet Programme (UK)
TUI Airline MPL Cadet Programme (UK) is a pilot training programme based in the United Kingdom. TUI Airline MPL Cadet Programme (UK) is part of TUI Airways.
What it offers: TUI Airline MPL Cadet Programme. As of 16 June 2026, the programme was listed as closed to new applications. Pilot vacancies are published on a careers portal, linked in the profile on this page. The selection is described stage by stage on this page.
The five phases
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Online assessments (verbal, logical and numerical reasoning)Practise this phase
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Digital interviewPractise this phase
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Assessment centrePractise this phase
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Simulator assessment (B737)
TUI Airline MPL Cadet Programme (UK) at a glance
Part of TUI Airways- Country
- United Kingdom
- Cadet programme
- TUI Airline MPL Cadet Programme (closed as of 16 Jun 2026)2
What does TUI Airline MPL Cadet Programme (UK) ask of pilots?
- Age
- For the 2026 round, at least 18 on or before 1 June 2026, as the FAQ states; 17-year-olds could apply if they turned 18 by that date. The role requirements on the same page list 1 September 2026.1
- Experience Requirement
- No previous flying experience or flight training is necessary for this programme.1
- Education Requirement
- At least five GCSEs including Maths, English and a Science, with Maths at grade B/6 or above and the others at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent qualifications.1
- Degree Alternative
- A degree in any field supersedes the GCSE requirements, allowing applicants without specific GCSE grades to apply.1
- English Language
- Fluency in English verbal and written to the standard of ICAO Level 5 is required.1
- Right to Work
- Candidates must be eligible to live and work indefinitely in the UK without additional approvals, as visa sponsorship is not available.1
- Passport
- A valid passport permitting unrestricted worldwide travel is required.1
- Height Requirement
- Candidates must be at least 1.58m (5ft 2in) tall.1
- Swimming Ability
- Applicants must be able to swim at least 25m.1
- Medical Standard
- Candidates must meet the requirements for the issue of a CAA Class One Medical.1
- Security Checks
- Referencing and pre-employment checks for airport security ID issuance must be completed before training commences.1
- PPL Limits
- If holding a PPL, total time must not exceed 100 hours and no additional ratings such as night, instrument, or instructor ratings are permitted.1
- ATPL Exam History
- Only candidates who have not previously attempted an ATPL exam, regardless of result, are eligible to apply.1
- CPL Eligibility
- Holders of a CPL/IR are not eligible for this programme as it is designed for those with no or very little flying experience.1
Interview and group exercise
TUI looks for candidates with a genuine passion for aviation who understand TUI strategy and values like Trusted, Unique, and Inspiring. You must demonstrate mental capacity, drive, and motivation to commit fully to training. Resilience is key, specifically the ability to manage stress effectively while maintaining performance.
You should be a great team player and natural leader with excellent communication skills. A proven ability to make the right decision in any given scenario is essential. Additionally, you need to show excellent customer service skills and a desire to deliver a great experience for customers on every flight.
When preparing real examples, structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to highlight your decision-making process. Prepare stories that demonstrate how you handled stress or led a team through a challenging situation. Ensure your examples reflect the core values of trustworthiness and inspiration mentioned in the job description.
What you can practise here
Focus on academic revision and physical readiness. Check that your Maths, English and Science qualifications meet the entry requirement, and keep the subjects fresh for the 13 ATPL exams that open the course. Ensure your passport is valid for unrestricted worldwide travel.
Prepare for the digital and assessment centre stages. Practice answering questions about aviation passion, teamwork, leadership, and stress management. Research TUI’s strategy and values, specifically being Trusted, Unique, and Inspiring. Be ready to demonstrate excellent communication skills and decision-making abilities in various scenarios.
Manage logistics and documentation. Gather proof of academic qualifications, ensuring translations are provided if they are not in English. Confirm you have no prior ATPL exam attempts and check your PPL hours if applicable. Plan your schedule around the full-time nature of the training, noting that flexibility with weekends is required.
The practice plan for this selection includes Verbal reasoning, Abstract reasoning, Numerical reasoning, Mathematics, Arithmetic: mixed problems, Interview preparation and 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
What qualifications do I need?
You need at least five GCSEs including Maths, English and a Science, or equivalent qualifications. Maths must be grade B/6 or above and the others grade C/4 or above. A degree in any field supersedes the GCSE requirements.
Is previous flying experience required?
No previous flight training or experience is necessary for this programme. If you hold a PPL, it must have a maximum of 100 hours total time. You cannot hold additional ratings such as Night, Instrument, or Flight Instructor ratings.
How is the training funded?
TUI covers all course costs, licence fees, accommodation during practical phases, and initial medicals. There is no salary paid during the training period. After qualifying, training costs are deducted from your Second Officer salary over four years.
What is the age requirement?
For the 2026 round you had to be at least 18 on or before 1 June 2026. You could apply at 17, provided you turned 18 by that date, and no exceptions were made for those turning 18 after June 2026. The role requirements on the same page list 1 September 2026.
Can I apply if I am not a British citizen?
All applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK indefinitely without additional approvals. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. You must also hold a valid passport permitting unrestricted worldwide travel.
What happens if I fail exams during training?
If you fail any exam or progress test after two consecutive attempts, your training could be terminated. If removed from the course due to breach of agreement, monies paid by TUI for training become repayable. Further details on repayment are given at the assessment centre.
What were the dates of the 2026 round?
Applications for the 2026 round closed on 31 January 2026. The timeline planned digital interview outcomes by the end of March 2026, an assessment centre at East Midlands Airport in April 2026, simulator assessments at London Gatwick in May 2026 and a final outcome in June or July 2026. The FAQ gives mid-March for digital interview outcomes and the end of April for simulator assessments.
Can I defer my place if successful?
In the 2026 round TUI could not defer places: successful candidates were offered a 2026 course start date. Courses were planned to start in June, July and September 2026, and TUI says there will be courses on an annual basis.
Does the course lead to a job with TUI?
You receive a conditional offer of employment on commencement of the course. You must complete training to the required standard to proceed with a career as a cadet entry pilot. Upon qualification, you are paid a Second Officer salary.
Can I get feedback if rejected?
Due to high volumes, individual feedback is not provided for rejected applications. You may resubmit an application the following year. Helpful tips are available online for future submissions.1
- 1SOVA MPL, About The Job, TUI Careers
- 2MPL Programme | TUI Airline MPL Cadet Programme · accessed 10 Oct 2026
- 3MPL UK FAQs | TUI careers · accessed 11 Oct 2026
- 4Pilots | Careers at TUI · accessed 10 Oct 2026
