British Airways and Skyborne launch applications for 2025 Pilot Academy  

British Airways and Skyborne Airline Academy are today announcing the opening of applications for the 2025 Speedbird Pilot Academy.  

The multi-million-pound training initiative, launched in 2023, offers aspiring pilots of all backgrounds a fully-funded path to the flight deck with British Airways. Successful candidates will undergo a joint selection process with BA and Skyborne, before training at the academy’s premier facilities in the UK and the United States.  

Upon completion of the UK CAA Integrated ATPL course, graduates will secure positions as First Officers with BA, marking the start of a remarkable career with the UK flag carrier. 

Lee Woodward, CEO, Skyborne, said: “As BA’s official UK partner, Skyborne is proud to lead the industry in removing financial barriers to entry. As a beneficiary of a funded programme myself, it is incredibly rewarding to offer another year of fully-funded flight training with Speedbird. BA’s continued investment is testament to our shared commitment in making pilot training accessible for all.” 

Lucy Silvester, pilot recruitment manager, British Airways, says: “Speedbird Pilot Academy really is an opportunity to level the playing field and dream big with some of the best flight training academies in the industry. To date, the initiative has been a huge success and we’re excited to continue to work with Skyborne to welcome the next group of talented individuals to a British Airways’ flight deck.”  

The scheme saw more than 20,000 applicants in its first year. Among them was Josh Bates, who is currently completing his single-engine phase of flight training with Skyborne in Vero Beach, Florida.

Josh Bates added: “The Speedbird Pilot Academy has been a once in a lifetime opportunity. Skyborne’s expertise, flexibility, and world-class facilities have made my hopes of becoming a pilot a reality. With job security upon graduation, lifelong friends and invaluable lessons, I’m incredibly grateful to British Airways and Skyborne for the chance to fulfil my goal in a supportive and structured environment.

“Working so closely with the people at the heart of Skyborne truly helps maximise my potential and exceed my own expectations.”