Aer Lingus announced the reopening the Future Pilot Programme. The programme offers aspiring aviators the chance to live out their dream of becoming a pilot for the airline. Candidates will be selected through a competitive selection procedure to join the Future Pilot Programme. This 14-month course is fully sponsored by Aer Lingus. Aer Lingus will begin accepting online applications from now until 10th February 2025.
Aer Lingus’ Future Pilot Programme aims to train 90 pilots within a five-year time frame. In an effort to increase diversity within its pilot programme, Aer Lingus is encouraging more women to apply. Aer Lingus Pilots make up 11% of the total. Aer Lingus wants to increase this number by increasing the number female applicants, despite this being a leading figure in the industry.
Aer Lingus Chief People Officer, Anne Kiely said: “Aer Lingus has a proud tradition of pilot training, offering Future Pilot Programmes for nearly sixty years. Successful candidates can embark on a rewarding and exciting career flying Aer Lingus’ customers to many destinations. They will also have the chance to fly some of the most advanced aircraft in the industry. We invite anyone with a passion in aviation to apply for this program. We encourage women to join us, as we strive towards closing aviation’s gender divide.”
Starting in September 2025 the successful candidates will complete a 14 month pilot training course that combines theory and practice at an international pilot school. The students will return to Aer Lingus’ Training Academy, Dublin to complete their training. They will be mentored by and supported throughout the entire process by an Aer Lingus Liaison Pilot.
After qualifying, they receive a Multicrew Commercial Pilot’s Licence. This will allow them to become First Officers and eventually Captains on short and long-haul routes for the airline.
The newly qualified crew will be able to fly the most advanced aircraft available in the aviation industry. Aer Lingus has recently added two new Airbus A321 XLRs to its fleet. These aircrafts offer up to a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and close to a 50% reduction in noise footprint compared to older aircraft.
Captain Karl O’Neill is the Chief Instructor at Aer Lingus. He said: “Aer Lingus’s Future Pilot Programme offers successful applicants an opportunity to realise their dream of a career as a pilot. We are looking for candidates with excellent communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills. We encourage women who possess these skills to apply. Previous successful candidates come from a wide range of backgrounds and careers. They are now forging exciting careers in the skies.”
All successful candidates will receive industry-leading training. They will also receive constant guidance, mentoring and support throughout their career.
We are excited to welcome our 2025 Future Pilot Programme applicants, who will be playing a vital role shaping the future of our carrier.
Requirements:
- Candidates must be over-18 as of 10th February 2025 and have completed their Leaving Certificate or equivalent.
- They will have at least 2 subjects of higher level with a minimum grade of H5.
- The Future Pilot Programme application will be available online starting January 29, 2025
