British Airways to put 200 aspiring pilots through training

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy British Airways has announced it will fully fund up to 200 places on its pilot training programme next year. British Airways chief executive Sean Doyle said: “I’m incredibly proud of the Speedbird Pilot Academy and the opportunity it provides to those talented individuals who have held a lifetime ambition of becoming a commercial airline pilot but have perhaps found it difficult to independently fund their training. “The standard of applicants we see for this programme is consistently high so as part of our commitment to attracting the very best candidates from right across society, we’ve increased the 2025 cohort to give as many people as possible the chance of realising their dream.” Ryan Street, a 27-year-old Speedbird Pilot Academy cadet from Stockport, Greater Manchester dreamed of a career in aviation since he was a young boy.He joined the RAF Air Cadets at the age of 12 and worked at Manchester Airport for a ground handling company before successfully applying for British Airways’ training programme.