The union Balpa – which represents more than 10,000 UK commercial pilots – has urged the government to work on specific policies and funding to allow more people from different socio-economic backgrounds to become pilots. 

“[We] hope [the government] will act swiftly to remove the financial barriers by putting in place policies and funding that will support the opening up of the profession to all those who have the aptitude but not ability to pay,” said interim general secretary Miranda Rackley on Friday (2 June).

Rackley’s words come as the UK government published on Wednesday (31 May) new research which shows that pilot training can cost cadets up to £150,000 and that lack of funding is a significant barrier to entry into the profession. 

“This report reflects the reality for aspiring commercial pilots: huge upfront training costs with no financial support available, leaving the career open only to those lucky enough to have parental support,” Mark Jenkinson, Tory MP for Workington, said. “Government must change this and provide a funding route, levelling up access to a fantastic career.”