Aer Lingus is reopening its pilot training programme and is encouraging more female candidates to apply.
Through a competitive selection process, candidates will be selected to join the ‘Future Pilot Programme’, a 14-month pilot training course which is fully sponsored by the airline.
The course will develop a total of 90 pilots over a five-year period.
Currently, 11% of Aer Lingus Pilots are female. The airline said that while this is industry leading, it is keen to see the number grow by increasing the number of applications from females.
“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,” said Aer Lingus Chief People Officer, Anne Kiely.
Beginning in September 2025, successful candidates will undergo a pilot training course combining theory and practical studies at an international pilot academy.
The students will then return to Aer Lingus’ training academy in Dublin to complete their training.
On qualifying, they will receive a multi-crew pilot’s commercial licence, leading them to become a First Officer and ultimately a Captain on short and long haul routes for the airline.
“Previous successful candidates have come from a diverse range of careers and backgrounds and are now forging exciting new careers in the sky,” said Aer Lingus Chief Instructor, Captain Karl O’Neill.
Aer Lingus will begin accepting online applications from now until 10 February.
Candidates must be over 18 and have completed the Leaving Certificate or equivalent.
