easyJet Launches 2024 Pilot Training Program to Recruit 1,000 New Pilots by 2028

easyJet reopens applications for its Generation easyJet Pilot Training Programme, aiming to add 200 aspiring pilots this year as part of a broader initiative to recruit 1,000 pilots by 2028, with a focus on increasing gender diversity in the cockpit.

 

easyJet has announced the reopening of applications for its esteemed Generation easyJet Pilot Training Programme, designed to transform aspiring aviators into qualified co-pilots flying the Airbus A320 in approximately two years. This initiative is a significant part of the airline's ambitious plan to recruit 1,000 new pilots by 2028, with 200 openings available this year alone.

The announcement comes as part of easyJet's ongoing efforts to address gender disparity in the aviation industry, where only about 6% of pilots worldwide are women. Through various initiatives such as recruitment campaigns and educational outreach programs, easyJet aims to inspire more women to pursue careers in aviation. Presently, 7.5% of easyJet's UK pilot workforce are women, slightly above the national average.

Captain Kate West, Pilot Training Manager at easyJet, emphasized the importance of diversity in the cockpit, stating, "The training to become a pilot focuses on skills such as communication and problem solving, so when working as a team in the flight deck, diversity is incredibly valuable."

Applicants to the Generation easyJet Pilot Training Programme must be at least 18 years old by the start of training and possess a minimum of five GCSEs, including Mathematics, Science, and English, or their equivalents. No higher education degree is required, making the program accessible to a broad range of candidates.

Training for the selected candidates will be conducted in partnership with CAE at their aviation academy locations across Europe, including Gatwick, Milan, Brussels, and Madrid, with flight training taking place in the USA. Upon successful completion, graduates will join easyJet as newly qualified co-pilots.

In addition to the pilot training, easyJet's commitment to sustainability and innovation within the travel industry continues to drive their operations forward. This initiative not only aims to fulfill the need for new pilots but also to enhance diversity within the field, supporting the development of a more inclusive aviation community.

Aspiring pilots can apply today by visiting Generation easyJet Pilot Training Programme | CAE for more information.