IF you are an aspiring pilot, one airline has announced huge news to get you closer to your dream.
Aer Lingus has reopened its Future Pilot Programme, which offers aspiring aviators a chance to fly for the airline.
Successful candidates from the competitive selection process will join the 14-month pilot training course.
And even better, the course is fully sponsored by the airline.
Over a five year period, the programme will develop a total of 90 pilots.
Applications are being accepted from now until February 10, 2025.
Aer Lingus is encouraging more female applicants as part of its commitment to increasing diversity in the programme.
Currently, 11 per cent of Aer Lingus pilots are female, and the airline is looking to see this grow.
Aer Lingus Chief People Officer, Anne Kiely said: “Aer Lingus has a proud tradition of pilot training, offering Future Pilot Programmes for nearly sixty years.
“Successful candidates will embark on an exciting and rewarding career, flying Aer Lingus customers to a wide range of destinations.
“Furthermore, they will have the opportunity to operate some of the most modern aircraft in the industry.
“We invite everyone with a passion for aviation to apply for this unique programme, and we especially encourage women to join us as we strive to close aviation’s gender gap.”
The programme will start in September 2025, lasting 14 months.
It will combine theory and practical studies at an international pilot academy.
Students will then return to the Aer Lingus Training Academy in Dublin to complete their training, while being mentored and supported by the airline’s liaison pilot.
On qualifying, they will receive a multi-crew pilot’s commercial licence.
This will lead them to become a First Officer and then a Captain on short and long haul routes for the airline.
They will operate some of the most advanced and sustainable aircraft in the industry.
The fleet includes the recent addition of two new Airbus A321 XLRs, which deliver up to a 20 per cent reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions.
It also has an almost 50 per cent reduction in noise footprint when compared to previous generations of aircraft.
Aer Lingus Chief Instructor, Captain Karl O’Neill, said: “Aer Lingus’ Future Pilot Programme is a fully funded pilot training course that offers successful applicants the opportunity to realise their dreams of a career in aviation.
“We’re looking for candidates who possess excellent communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. We particularly encourage women with these skillsets to consider applying.
“Previous successful candidates have come from a diverse range of careers and backgrounds and are now forging exciting new careers in the sky.
“All successful candidates will receive the most advanced industry-leading training. In addition, they will receive constant mentoring, guidance and support throughout their training and careers.
“We look forward to welcoming our 2025 Future Pilot Programme candidates, who will play a vital role in shaping the future of our airline.”
To apply, candidates must be over 18 as of February 10, 2025.
You must have completed your Leaving Certificate or the equivalent.
Candidates should have obtained a Leaving Certificate or equivalent with at least two higher-level subjects with a minimum of H5 grades.
The full list of criteria can be seen here.
