TUI Airline launches its new Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) Cadet programme in the UK. With 30 spaces available in the first year, the new scheme will train pilots over an 18-month period. Training commences with ground school, followed by basic flying training and then the advanced flying training phases. After this, trainees gain a broader understanding of our business before commencing operational line training on the 737.
Applicants are required to have a minimum of five GCSEs including Maths, English and a Science at grade C/4 or above, however no previous flying experience or upfront training costs are required, opening the exciting opportunity to many aspiring pilots.
“I’m delighted we’re launching this scheme in the UK, and looking forward to welcoming our pilots of the future. Diversity is firmly on our agenda at TUI, and we’re keen to attract new talent from all different walks of life and challenge ourselves to think differently in other areas such as innovation, sustainability, engineering, and ultimately in delivering for our customers. We have similar schemes in other Group Airlines, and I do hope we can roll out the initiative to all Group Airlines in the future”, said Marco Ciomperlik, Chief Airline Officer of TUI Group.
We’ve been working closely with our BALPA to create a scheme to inspire the next generation.
Martin Chalk, BALPA General Secretary, said “BALPA applauds the efforts of TUI UK to address the potential weaknesses in the MPL route into our profession, and wholeheartedly supports the active intention to broaden the backgrounds of candidates becoming professional pilots. The best indicators of future ‘star aviators’ are aptitude to learn the skills required and professional determination – not access to six figure sums of money, or gender, religion, or cultural heritage. BALPA wishes TUI and all the candidates they select the very best with this scheme and looks forward to working with them all.”
Baroness Vere, Aviation Minister, said: “Our aviation industry is recovering rapidly, and to keep up with the great progress it’s making we need to ensure we do everything we can to create the next generation of pilots.
“Schemes like this and our Generation Aviation programme are exactly what is needed to drive new rounds of recruitment, getting young people into aviation and building a workforce that reflects Britain’s diversity.”
“Diversity amongst airline pilots remains low across the whole industry. Many industry schemes have sought to address this, but the circa £100,000+ cost of pilot training remains a huge barrier to entry and restricts the diversity and demographics of those entering the industry. Our cadet scheme will address this, providing the opportunity to become a pilot without a requirement to pay any upfront costs for training. For what we believe to be an industry first in the UK, I’m excited to see the interest in the scheme, and in helping our new recruits follow their career dreams”, said Malcolm Sutherland, managing director, TUI Airways and TUIfly Nordic.
TUI is focussed to attract the very best talent and also committed to providing opportunity for all regardless of national or ethnic origin, race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, religion, belief, disability, age, or social demographic origin. The new scheme aims to break down barriers in the industry and make the pilot career pathway more accessible to all.
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