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How much does it cost to become a pilot at British Airways?
By the PilotinQ editorial teamUpdated 25 Oct 2026
THE ANSWER25 sec read

British Airways funds the £100,000 cost of training for the cadets it selects for the Speedbird Pilot Academy, and says the funding guarantees successful candidates a flying role on completion.16

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Updated 25 Oct 2026All 18 sources →

The route, step by step

Amounts
The Speedbird Pilot Academy is fully funded: the funding covers the £100,000 cost of pilot training over two years. For the 2026 intake British Airways is investing £18m in up to 160 places.16
What is included
Cadets train at FTEJerez or Skyborne. Besides the flight training to a frozen ATPL, British Airways provides accommodation, food at FTEJerez or a food allowance at Skyborne, a subsistence allowance and financial support for the Class 1 medical.1718
Funding
British Airways covers the cost of the training. While you train at the flight school you receive a food and subsistence allowance, and once you join British Airways as an employee after flight school you earn a pilot salary. The starting salary is £37,081 a year plus allowances.17
Comparison
British Airways covers the cost of your training; ongoing expenses you already have, such as a mortgage, remain yours.17
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AIRLINES

How much does it cost to become a pilot at British Airways?

By the PilotinQ editorial teamUpdated 25 Oct 2026
THE ANSWER25 sec read

British Airways funds the £100,000 cost of training for the cadets it selects for the Speedbird Pilot Academy, and says the funding guarantees successful candidates a flying role on completion.16

Was this useful?
Updated 25 Oct 2026All 18 sources →

Step by step

Amounts
The Speedbird Pilot Academy is fully funded: the funding covers the £100,000 cost of pilot training over two years. For the 2026 intake British Airways is investing £18m in up to 160 places.16
What is included
Cadets train at FTEJerez or Skyborne. Besides the flight training to a frozen ATPL, British Airways provides accommodation, food at FTEJerez or a food allowance at Skyborne, a subsistence allowance and financial support for the Class 1 medical.1718
Funding
British Airways covers the cost of the training. While you train at the flight school you receive a food and subsistence allowance, and once you join British Airways as an employee after flight school you earn a pilot salary. The starting salary is £37,081 a year plus allowances.17
Comparison
British Airways covers the cost of your training; ongoing expenses you already have, such as a mortgage, remain yours.17
SOURCES
  1. Pilot community experience15 discussions · 2004-2026
  2. 16British Airways' fully-funded pilot training programme opens for applications for fourth year runningBritish Airways Media Centre
  3. 17Speedbird Pilot Academy FAQs (April 2026)British Airways Careers
  4. 18Your Speedbird Pilot Academy applicationBritish Airways Careers
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