22 October 2019
British Airways is to fund flying lessons for 200 students across the UK during 2020 to inspire them to become pilots.
It follows a trial this year in partnership with The Air League Trust, when the airline funded lessons for students who would not normally be able to enjoy this experience at Booker Aviation Flying School in High Wycombe.
For 2020, the airline will expand the opportunity across numerous flying schools throughout the UK to reach a broader range of young people.
Thousands of students applied via British Airways’ careers website for places on this year’s programme. One of them was 14-year-old Manpreet Digpaul, pictured above, who said, “It makes me feel really privileged to experience this at such a young age. I’m just overwhelmed by the opportunity. Yesterday I was at school and now I’m flying! I want to be a pilot when I’m older and this is helping me to achieve my dreams.”
Angela Williams, British Airways’ Director of People, said, “We know the importance of introducing young people, especially young women, to aviation at an early age in order to inspire them to pursue a career in the cockpit.
“We’re passionate about improving diversity across all areas of our airline and we’re committed to investing in the next generation who will join us in connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain.”
To find out more about flying lessons, sign up for alerts for British Airways Work Experience here.
This year British Airways hosted more young people on work experience than ever before with 600 students completing a week-long placement at British Airways across 25 departments.
Work experience is just one of many routes into the airline for young people who are ready to start their career in aviation. There’s also an apprenticeship programme, graduate scheme and business placements.
In 2020 British Airways will operate a paid summer internship, giving current university students a unique insight into the complex world of aviation as interns within its global operation.
Applications are currently open for the graduate scheme, business placements and the new summer internship programme here.
3 comments
Yep, the shine has worn off. They’ll have to start funding commercial pilots again soon. Hamble anybody ?
Can international students also get that opportunity or only for British citizens.
Promoting this to young children and inspiring them is great! We need more of this positive mental attitude around us to give our kids positive vibes and directions they can consider!