Jet2.com opens Jet2FlightPath programme to put more aspiring pilots through fully funded training Follows phenomenal reaction to
Jet2.com opens Jet2FlightPath programme to put more aspiring pilots through fully funded training
- Follows phenomenal reaction to inaugural Jet2FlightPath programme, which saw 18,000 applications and has helped boost diversity within the pilot community. Jet2.com opens Jet2FlightPath programme to put more aspiring pilots through fully funded training
- At least 60 places are available in the second year of Jet2FlightPath – which continues to be more accessible than other programmes
- Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather: “Jet2’s FlightPath programme, alongside how Jet2.com opens Jet2FlightPath programme to put more aspiring pilots through fully funded training, is a vital building block to help aspiring pilots take their first steps skywards.”
17th February 2026: After a phenomenal response to its inaugural programme last year, Jet2.comhas 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.
As part of its commitment to supporting future pilots, Jet2.com opens Jet2FlightPath programme to put more aspiring pilots through fully funded training and continues to attract a diverse range of applicants.
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.
The success of the programme highlights how Jet2.com opens Jet2FlightPath programme to put more aspiring pilots through fully funded training can significantly impact individuals from various backgrounds.
With data showing that between 4-6% of pilots worldwide are women, the programme is already playing a positive role in boosting diversity within the pilot community, with over 20% 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.
With the aim of making aviation accessible, Jet2.com opens Jet2FlightPath programme to put more aspiring pilots through fully funded training has already proven to be a game changer for many.
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.
As candidates explore this opportunity, they will find that Jet2.com opens Jet2FlightPath programme to put more aspiring pilots through fully funded training is designed to alleviate financial barriers.
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 aJet2.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.
In addition, the expansion of Jet2.com opens the Jet2FlightPath programme to put more aspiring pilots through fully funded training, reflecting the growing demand for qualified pilots.
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. Jet2FlightPathhas 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.”
Through the support of Jet2.com opens Jet2FlightPath programme to put more aspiring pilots through fully funded training, Ellie Wagg and many others are realising their aviation dreams.
Steve is photographed at East Midlands Airport with one of the Jet2 jets.
2021/04/26 Picture by Georgie Gillard
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 said: “We are delighted to reopen applications for Jet2FlightPathafter 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.”
CEO Steve Heapy noted that Jet2.com opens Jet2FlightPath programme to put more aspiring pilots through fully funded training is pivotal in reshaping the future of aviation.
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.
Keir Mather’s comments further highlight how Jet2.com opens Jet2FlightPath programme to put more aspiring pilots through fully funded training serves as a crucial step for aspiring aviators.
“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.”
The initiative emphasises the importance of Jet2.com opening the Jet2FlightPath programme to put more aspiring pilots through fully funded training in promoting career opportunities in aviation.
For further information, visit: www.jet2careers.com/pilot-careers/jet2flightpath/
For those wishing to learn more, Jet2.com opens the Jet2FlightPath programme to put more aspiring pilots through fully funded training, providing essential information to help guide their journey.