‘PROGRAMME IS A VITAL BUILDING BLOCK TO HELP ASPIRING PILOTS TAKE THEIR FIRST STEPS SKYWARDS’
AFTER a phenomenal response to its inaugural programme last year, Jet2.com has today announced that it has reopened its Jet2FlightPath programme for 2026, giving at least 60 aspiring pilots the opportunity to fly for the award-winning airline without having to self-fund the £100,000-plus cost of flight training.
The leading leisure airline launched Jet2FlightPath, its first-ever fully funded pilot training programme, in May 2025. As a result, 60 candidates from all backgrounds are already working their way through a fully funded 18-month Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) training course on their way to becoming a pilot.
With data showing that between 4-6 per cent of pilots worldwide are women, the programme is already playing a positive role in boosting diversity within the pilot community, with over 20 per cent of successful candidates from the first year being female. In total, Jet2.com received 18,000 applications for 60 places in the first year, with successful candidates coming from a range of backgrounds. Those on the programme include school leavers, university graduates, ex-schoolteachers and former police workers.
Jet2FlightPath is once again open to candidates from all backgrounds (subject to meeting the application criteria), and pilots of the future can find out further information as well as how to apply here: www.jet2careers.com/pilot-careers/jet2flightpath/
With funding provided by Jet2.com, the programme aims to continue boosting social mobility and promoting diversity within the pilot community. To apply, candidates need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including maths and a science subject, or equivalent qualifications – meaning Jet2FlightPath continues to be more accessible than other programmes.
After a selection process which includes assessments and interviews, successful candidates will be invited to take their place on a fully funded 18-month Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) training course in the UK, Spain or United States, with courses starting this year. Upon completion of the ATPL course, trainees will then be offered Type Rating training on either an Airbus or Boeing aircraft, before becoming a Jet2.com pilot. Jet2.com continues to work alongside three partners to deliver this training – Skyborne Airline Academy, Leading Edge and FTE Jerez.
When completing the Jet2FlightPath programme, trainees will not just train to become a Jet2.com pilot. They will also be fully immersed in the operation and culture at Jet2, so that they can understand all the qualities that make up the award-winning airline and tour operator. This includes gaining exposure to various customer-facing roles such as Cabin Crew and Ground Operations, with trainees getting a first-hand look into why Jet2.com has been recognised as a Which? Recommended Provider for the past ten years running.
The programme has been developed to attract the very best talent to support Jet2.com’s growth, enabling the leading leisure airline to fly more customers away to enjoy their well-deserved holidays on an expanding fleet of aircraft. When the latest cohort of successful candidates begin the programme, Jet2.com will have at least 120 pilots going through Jet2FlightPath, with plans to continue attracting even more aspiring pilots in the coming years as the company continues to grow.
The UK’s third largest airline currently employs over 2,000 pilots and will operate a fleet of 138 aircraft in Summer 26, flying customers to sun, ski and leisure city destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Canary Islands from 14 UK airport bases – including London Gatwick which launches in March 2026.
Ellie Wagg, who is one of the trainees on the inaugural Jet2Flight programme, having previously worked for the NHS in Northamptonshire, said: “Becoming a commercial airline pilot feels like a dream I never let myself have. As a child, I was fascinated by aviation, but it wasn’t until later in life that I found the confidence to chase what once felt out of reach. Jet2FlightPath has made this career accessible to me, as the financial requirements of training were always the biggest barrier, so this funded pathway has removed that worry completely. It still doesn’t feel real, but I feel incredibly privileged and grateful to be starting this new chapter with Skyborne and Jet2.com.”
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 said: “We are delighted to reopen applications for Jet2FlightPath after a phenomenal response to the first year of the programme. Our fully-funded pilot training programme helps overcome the cost of training and is already making the dream of flying a reality for many who thought it was beyond their means. We are very proud of the success that the programme is already having in terms of opening up flying for everyone, and we look forward to receiving applications for this year.”
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather, said: “Alongside our Reach for the Sky and Aviation Ambassador programmes which inspire young people into careers in aviation, Jet2’s FlightPath programme is a vital building block to help aspiring pilots take their first steps skywards.
“Initiatives like this unlock exciting, flexible routes into aviation, backing an expanding sector whilst offering young people valuable opportunities to pursue long-term and skilled careers.”
For further information, visit: www.jet2careers.com/pilot-careers/jet2flightpath/
The 'Travel' Life of Brian 