The Aer Lingus Future Pilot Programme is a unique career opportunity. This course combines classroom study and practical flight training in both aircraft and flight simulators. Throughout the course you will also receive regular mentoring, guidance and support from the Aer Lingus Cadet Liaison Pilot.

About the Programme

Successful candidates will begin a very intensive training program lasting over 14 months in collaboration with our preferred flight training school. Our future pilots will then return to Aer Lingus to commence a long career as a pilot with Aer Lingus.

Given the limited number of positions available, competition is expected to be extremely high and candidates are advised to carefully prepare for all assessments.

Aer Lingus is a Career Airline focused on the continuous training and development of our pilots. We don't just recruit First Officers; we recruit and train our future Captains for long and short-haul routes. If you have what it takes to succeed, then why not apply today?

Is this programme for me?

Once you qualify you will receive a Multi Pilot Commercial Licence. This is your chance to make a smart choice and let your career take off with Aer Lingus.

What are we looking for?

We are looking to attract talented people who are motivated, engaged and passionate about aviation and the iconic Aer Lingus brand. If you are technically minded, mature, responsible and committed to succeed then maybe a career in aviation is for you.

You will need to possess excellent communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills, as well as an appreciation of the service our customers expect.

If that sounds interesting and Aer Lingus fits with your own values and attitude, then apply today and kick start your career. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our team of diverse and talented individuals who make our business a success.

We are searching for candidates who are willing to balance a fast paced, technically challenging and dynamic environment, with safety and exceptional customer service.

Now you can apply to join a really great team who have been connecting Ireland to the world for almost 90 years.

Introduction from Flight Operations

Dear Applicant,

We are delighted to launch our 2025 Future Pilot Programme, in collaboration with our preferred flight training school.

We are looking for candidates with diverse backgrounds to join our team. Aer Lingus has a proud tradition in pilot training and has been offering Future Pilot Training Programmes for almost sixty years. These programmes offer candidates a unique opportunity to join our expanding team as an Aer Lingus Pilot via this fully sponsored scheme.

Whether you have just finished school/college or simply want to change career, this could be the right move for your future. Many of our pilots have joined us from other industries, and we urge you to consider doing the same.

Successful applicants will complete 14 months of basic training followed by a 4-month transition course at the Aer Lingus Training Academy in Dublin.

To secure a place on this course, you need to be highly motivated and must demonstrate the competencies required to become a commercial airline pilot. If successful, your journey towards becoming a pilot with Aer Lingus will begin in September 2025.

I wish you every success with your application.

Captain Karl O'Neill,

Chief Instructor ATO/Recruitment

Essential criteria

Essential criteria for application

• 18 years of age on or before 10th February 2025
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Eligible to live and work permanently in the EU/Ireland
• Valid unrestricted worldwide passport
• Able to pass an airport security vetting procedure, including a five-year background check*
• Two verifiable references
• Able to obtain an EASA/IAA issued Class 1 Medical, including successfully passing a colour blindness test. Please refer to www.iaa.ie prior to application to ensure you can meet all medical requirements in line with eyesight/colour blindness limitations

*If you are a not an Irish citizen, you will require a current police disclosure certificate from your home country, if successful.

*If you have resided outside the Republic of Ireland for six months or more, you will also require a current police disclosure certificate from those country/countries.

Minimum Educational criteria:

• You must have passed your Leaving Certificate (6 subjects) or equivalent*
• Minimum Leaving Certificate Grades:
• O5 grades in English and Mathematics at ordinary level or H6 at higher
• 2 higher level subjects with a minimum of H5 grades in the Leaving Certificate

*Equivalent grades are as follows:

• GCSE Maths and English must be minimum of grade C plus
• 3 A Levels taken at A2 level in any subject with minimum grades C, C, D

Where the minimum Leaving Certificate or equivalent grades have not been met, you must have one of the following qualifications:

• A minimum of a Level 7 third level (ordinary degree) in any discipline or have completed a relevant aviation apprenticeship

Key competencies and skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Flexibility and willingness to work outside of normal office hours
• Strong communication skills
• Technical awareness
• Strong team player with ability to build and maintain positive working relationships and demonstrate leadership qualities
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making competency
• Ability and motivation to achieve a constant high level of performance
• Ability to process large volumes of information in a short period of time to achieve the academic standard required

Next stages of the process

• All completed online application forms must be submitted by 10:00 GMT on Monday 10th February 2025.
• No further applications will be accepted after that time
• Applications will be thoroughly screened
• Candidates who progress through the screening will receive on-line assessments and will be given 72 hours to complete. Please complete the assessments as soon as possible as after this time the link will no longer be available
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the group assessment stage which will be held in Dublin between Monday 24th March 2025 and Friday 11th April 2025
• Please note that you will be required to provide copies of your Leaving Certificate or equivalent (including any third level degree or aviation related apprenticeship) to verify that you meet the essential criteria at application stage and during the group assessment centre stage in Dublin
• Candidates may also be asked to retake the online assessments during the assessment centre
• Part of the selection process involves passing a Class 1 and a pre-course medical
• Aer Lingus is an equal opportunities employer