Alican Yarıcı
Dec 7, 2025
January 2026 — Global Aviation Industry
As airlines continue to expand fleets and rebuild long-term pilot pipelines, several carriers and training organizations have officially launched new cadet pilot programs for 2025–2026. This marks one of the strongest periods in recent years for aspiring pilots looking to enter the cockpit without prior flight experience.
With global pilot shortages expected to intensify across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, airlines are increasingly investing in ab-initio cadet programs, offering structured pathways from zero experience to the right seat of an airliner.
Why Cadet Programs Are Opening Now
Aviation analysts estimate that airlines will require more than 600,000 new pilots by 2035, driven by:
Fleet expansion (especially narrow-body A320neo and B737 MAX aircraft)
Accelerated retirements of senior captains
Rapid growth in Middle East & Asian markets
Expansion of low-cost carriers across Europe
As a result, airlines are once again turning to full-sponsorship or partially-sponsored cadet programs as a strategic investment.
Highlighted Cadet Programs Opening for 2025–2026
1. Major Middle Eastern Carriers
Large Gulf airlines continue to be the most active in long-term pilot pipeline development. New batches for 2025 include:
Ab-initio cadet schemes for high school graduates
Integrated ATPL programs with job guarantees upon graduation
Sponsored housing, stipends, and training allowances
These programs are highly competitive, drawing applications globally — especially from Europe and Turkey.
2. European Low-Cost Carrier Cadet Intakes
European LCCs are restarting or expanding cadet programs to support fleet growth into 2026.
Common features include:
Integrated ATPL + Type Rating pathway
Clear post-training placement into A320/B737 fleets
No previous flight experience required
Training delivered by approved partner ATOs
This is a major opportunity for young pilots seeking a fast, structured entry into the industry.
3. Flight Schools Launching Airline-Linked Programs
Several EASA flight academies have announced new airline-pathway cadet programs, including:
Mentored ATPL courses
Airline interview preparation
Performance monitoring for recruiters
Priority selection for partner airlines
These partnerships significantly increase the probability of job placement after training.
What Makes 2025–2026 a Unique Window for Aspiring Pilots
Unlike the uncertain hiring cycles of previous years, airlines today are planning long-term and aggressively:
Record aircraft orders
New route expansion into secondary cities
Increased seasonal and charter demand
Strengthened regional aviation markets
This creates consistent demand for first officers, making now one of the best times in the last decade to begin training.
Advice for Aspiring Cadets
If you're considering applying to a cadet program in 2025–2026:
1. Apply Early
Spots fill quickly, and airlines often limit each intake.
2. Focus on Assessments
Most cadet selections include:
Math & physics tests
Aviation reasoning
Psychometric evaluations
English proficiency
Group exercises & interviews
3. Prepare Financially
Even partially sponsored programs require planning for:
Living expenses
Exam fees
ATPL material
Travel for assessments
4. Maintain Medical Fitness
Obtain an EASA Class 1 Medical as early as possible.
Final Word: A New Era for Future Pilots
As fleets grow and demand climbs globally, airlines are once again investing in the next generation of pilots. For students, career-changers, or aviation enthusiasts, 2025–2026 represents a rare, ideal moment to enter the industry through a structured cadet pathway.
Pilotium will continue to track all new cadet program openings, application deadlines, requirements, and training pathways — helping future aviators navigate their journey from the classroom to the cockpit.