Start your airline pilot career
Master all the competencies for a successful airline pilot career
Ready to lead the skies
Full-time training for aspiring pilots with sky mentors and innovative techniques
Our comprehensive pathway blends ground with flight training for your career preparation. Thanks to experienced instructors and cutting-edge training tools, you’ll be airline-ready in approx. 2 years.
A people-centered approach to training, fostering connections and growth
Beyond learning to fly, become a part of a supportive community. Working closely with a tight-knit group of cadets and experts, you'll get support at every turn, both inside and outside the cockpit.
Airbus Flight Academy training at a glance
DISCOVER
Key phases of the integrated Airbus Pilot Cadet Programme
PROGRAMME TIMELINE
The Airbus ATPi programme is a structured, end-to-end journey designed to shape ready to fly pilots and future flight leaders. From selections to multi-crew operations training, each step builds the key competencies and mindset for a successful aviation career.
1. The Core phase – approx. 8 weeks
Begin your path at Airbus Flight Academy to prepare for the Pilot confirmation assessment. This early phase includes instructor-led classroom instruction and practical flight training, culminating in a final flight test. Upon success, you officially become an Airbus cadet.
2. Theoretical ATPL – approx. 33 weeks
Gain in-depth aviation knowledge across core subjects like navigation, meteorology and human performance. Benefit from interactive and inspiring classroom sessions led by expert instructors: supporting learning and individually driving your progress are central to your development.
This phase ends with the completion of the EASA-based ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) theoretical exams.
3. Basic phase – approx. 36 weeks
Start practical training from Single-engine piston (SEP) to smoothly transition to Multi-engine piston (MEP) aircraft operations, including Advanced upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT). Master both Visual flight rules (VFR) and Instrument flight rules (IFR) while developing essential competencies in aircraft handling, communication and situational awareness to prepare for your Commercial Pilot Licence and Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (CPL IR/ME) skill tests.
4. JOC/MCC – approx. 4 weeks
Your final step before Type rating: the Jet orientation course and Multi-crew cooperation training. You’ll operate in advanced flight simulators, learning to fly and make decisions as a part of a crew. This phase enhances high-altitude handling, performance management and collaborative cockpit competencies, preparing you for the responsibilities of piloting large multi-crew aircraft.
Successful completion of all phases enables you to receive your pilot's licence and Airbus cadet code certificate, enabling you to transition directly into Type rating and your first airline role.
Tailored training, for every stage of your pilot journey
In addition to the integrated programme, Airbus also offers modular training solutions for individuals, such as Type Rating training or other standalone training tailored to your goals.
Alumni and cadets testimonials
TESTIMONIES
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Airbus was a pioneer in implementing KSA (knowledge, skills and attitude). As pilot cadet training finishes, the airline selection process begins. Candidates perform numerous interviews and group exercises. Because they have already done a few of them, they find themselves considerably more at ease with the exercise.
LucasAirbus Alumni, First officer -
I was quite impressed by the training standard. As an aviation newcomer, I initially prioritised practical training, only thinking about flying, flying, flying. But the ground training is crucial as well! The instructors train in an engaging and inspiring manner, keeping students motivated.
NathanAirbus cadet -
We want to be more than just pilots: we want to evolve to become captains. This requires good crew communication and the ability to share and decide in any situation. Airbus was my primary choice because its training also focuses on developing the crucial human qualities needed to excel as both a pilot and a captain.
AmbreAirbus cadet
Your entry into the Airbus Pilot Cadet Programme
YOUR PATH TO THE SKIES
Take the first step toward your dream career as an airline pilot by understanding the practical aspects, ensuring you're fully prepared for your exciting journey. For more details, visit the admission process page and start your path to success.
- Costs: Get detailed information on the overall costs of the Airbus Cadet Pilot Programme, including tuition fees, flight training costs and any additional expenses you may incur (more information in our FAQ below).
- Funding options: Explore funding opportunities to help finance your training, including loans and partnerships with financial institutions.
- Accommodation: Learn about accommodation options available during your training, ensuring you have a comfortable and supportive environment while you focus on becoming an airline-ready pilot.
Your questions answered
FAQ
Find answers to common questions about the Airbus Pilot Cadet Programme.
What is the Airbus Pilot Cadet Programme and who can apply?
The EASA-based Airbus Pilot Cadet Programme is a comprehensive and structured path to obtaining a “frozen” ATPL, Airline Transport Pilot Licence. Applicants worldwide must be at least 18 years old with a high-school diploma, an ICAO Level 3 English (our training is entirely performed in English) and a medical class 1 certificate.
What does the integrated ATPL training include?
The training provides interactive ground and hands-on flight training, including theoretical ATPL, a Commercial pilot picence (CPL), Instrument rating for Multi-engine (IR/ME), Upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT), Jet orientation course and Multi crew cooperation (JOC/MCC), aviation industry discovery visits and conferences. The goal is to fully prepare you for a career as an airline pilot.
How long does integrated ATPL training take at Airbus Flight Academy? What is a ‘frozen’ ATPL?
The duration of the training is approximately 24 months with an optimised balance of theoretical and flight training to obtain a "frozen" Airline Transport Pilot Licence: a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) including Theoretical ATPL, Instrument Rating for Multi-Engine (IR/ME), advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) and Jet Orientation Course & Multi Crew Cooperation (JOC/MCC).
Upon completion, you can apply directly to airlines and progressively acquire the flight experience required, then pass an ATPL practical skills test to be able to ‘unfreeze’ your ATPL. Indeed, to fly as a captain on a large multi-crew aircraft, you will have to log at least 1500 hours flight time.
How does Airbus Flight Academy train airline-ready pilots?
Through a comprehensive, Competency-based training and assessment approach, as well as the latest training standards, Airbus Flight Academy equips you with key competencies to become a commercial airline pilot ready to operate, using the latest training techniques, modern aircraft, advanced tools, personalised guidance and expert instructors. The training is entirely provided in English.
How much does pilot training cost? What are the Airbus Flight Academy fees?
Costs vary depending on the location and flight school. The online assessment costs 40 $US and onsite fees are provided by the local flight school.
What is included in the tuition fees?
At Airbus Flight Academy, tuition fees reflect a variety of aspects specifically designed to drive your progress, performance and readiness for a professional aviation career, among:
- A welcome package (iPad, logbook, uniform kits and Airbus-branded goodies)
- Access to dedicated learning platforms such as e-ATPL, and the latest technical inputs and pedagogical resources
- All training delivered in English, ensuring international standards
- Top-tier instruction using latest teaching methods, modern aircraft, simulators and high-end facilities
- Flight hours and continuous training reinforcement
- Individual supervision and support, ensuring optimised preparation for required certifications and milestones
For specific details or personalised guidance – including cost-related questions – our local teams are here to support you.
What is the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)?
The ATPL is the most comprehensive licence for those aiming to fly as airline captains on large multi-crew aircraft. It provides advanced training in multi-crew operations, airline procedures, teamwork and leadership competencies. It also opens doors to airline careers, preparing you for the captain’s seat and long-term success in aviation.
Is the Airbus integrated ATPL programme approved by EASA?
Our training is approved by EASA, meeting the European Union Aviation Safety Agency standards. Our ATPi programme follows the global standards set by the Airbus Flight Training reference to ensure harmonised, high-quality training. We can propose additional solutions to meet other authority standards and specificities on demand. Please contact us for more information.
What is the Airbus pilot philosophy and how does it shape training?
The Airbus philosophy emphasises safety, efficiency and competency. It guides the training process from selections to preparing pilots for real-world airline operations through hands-on experience and the latest techniques. It incorporates the latest pedagogical concepts – in particular Competency-based training and assessment and the worldwide Airbus Flight Training Reference (AFTR) based on international regulations – to provide each cadet with the highest-quality training.
What is the pilot screening process at Airbus Flight Academy?
Our screening process is designed to assess your potential to succeed. It involves an online assessment followed by an onsite evaluation and a final assessment. This includes physical, cognitive, mathematics and English tests, whether working as a team or alone. Learn more about our admission process and get ready to get the best start to your commercial airline pilot career!
What advanced or modular pilot training does Airbus offer?
Since its creation, Airbus has been supporting airline customers to meet their flight training needs around the world, providing tailored solutions for professionals and individual experienced pilots. Depending on your needs and objectives, we can provide modular intermediate courses such as JOC/MCC for multi-crew environments or advanced training (Type rating, airline operations courses, etc.). Discover more here.
What pilot training tools are used at Airbus Flight Academy?
Adapting to training requirements and operational needs, we offer advanced training tools, using latest-generation simulators, advanced Flight and navigation procedure trainers (such as FNPTII) or Full-flight simulators (FFS). This ensures the best preparation for your future flights and an immersive experience to familiarise yourself on all the technical aspects of the aircraft.
Contact Airbus Flight Academy
GET IN TOUCH
Have questions? Reach out to our team for more details on the Airbus Pilot Programme, admissions, and training.
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