SELF-FUNDEDUnited KingdomAPPLICATIONS OPEN

easyJet Cadet Pilot Program 2026

Ab-initio cadet programme in partnership with approved flight schools. Includes MPL or integrated ATPL with guaranteed FO position at easyJet.

Cadet selection opens with an aptitude battery, and it removes more applicants than any interview.

Sit a timed practice paper free — no account. Scored on pace as well as accuracy, because pace is what the real battery culls on.

Take the free test

Where are you with easyJet?

Selection runs on its own timetable, and what helps depends entirely on where you are in it. Tell us, and what we send you matches that — nothing else.

ProgrammeGeneration easyJet
CostGBP 100,000-120,000 (loans available)
Duration18-24 months training + direct entry
SponsoredNo — self-funded (financing usually available)
Country / RegionUnited Kingdom · Europe
Hiring statusActive
Fleet after graduationA319, A320-200/neo, A321neo

Program Overview

Program Name

Generation easyJet

Description

Ab-initio cadet programme in partnership with approved flight schools. Includes MPL or integrated ATPL with guaranteed FO position at easyJet.

Fleet You Will Fly

A319A320-200/neoA321neo

Bases After Graduation

LTNLGWMANBRSEDIMXPLYSGVABERAMS

Entry Requirements

Captain — type rated

At least 4,000 flying hours, with 1,000 hours PIC on the A320

Captain — non type rated

At least 4,000 flying hours, with 1,000 hours PIC on jet aircraft over 30 tonnes MTOW

Co-pilot — type rated

At least 500 hours on the A320

Co-pilot — non type rated

At least 1,000 flying hours, including 500 hours on aircraft over 10 tonnes MTOW

Co-pilot seats

easyJet places co-pilots as Second Officer, First Officer or Senior First Officer according to experience and hours — the entry seat is not fixed

Licence and medical

EASA or UK CAA licence appropriate to the base, and a Class 1 medical

Right to work

The right to live and work in the base country. easyJet bases span the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and Morocco, and each carries its own rules.

Selection

Online application screened against the minimums, then technical selection (aptitude tests for motor skills and spatial awareness, plus computer-based maths and technical tests), then a virtual non-technical assessment with a presentation, group exercise and a one-to-one interview

How to Apply: easyJet Cadet Process

The easyJet selection pipeline mirrors the direct-entry pilot process but is more selective at the aptitude and behavioural stages. Here is the full step-by-step from application to first day of training.

  1. 1

    Online Application

    1-2 weeks

    Apply through easyJet pilot careers.

  2. 2

    Online Testing

    1-2 hours

    Remote aptitude testing including cognitive and personality assessments.

  3. 3

    Assessment Day

    1 day

    Full-day at Luton or Milan: simulator, group exercise, interview.

  4. 4

    Type Rating

    6-8 weeks

    A320 type rating through approved ATO.

  5. 5

    Line Training

    4-6 weeks

    Supervised line flying.

Assessment Stages: What They Test

1. Online Aptitude Tests

Remote cognitive and personality assessments.

How to prepare

  • ·Find a quiet environment
  • ·Practice online aptitude tests
  • ·Be honest in personality assessment

2. Simulator Assessment

A320 profile or generic MCC sim.

How to prepare

  • ·Practice raw-data flying
  • ·Show smooth control inputs
  • ·Communicate clearly throughout

3. Group Exercise

Team scenario assessing collaboration.

How to prepare

  • ·Show inclusive leadership
  • ·Listen actively
  • ·Stay calm under time pressure

4. Competency Interview

Structured interview with training captains.

How to prepare

  • ·Use STAR method
  • ·Know easyJet values and strategy
  • ·Prepare safety-focused stories

Career Progression Timeline

Year 0

Start cadet training

Begin ground school and initial flight training.

Year 1.5

Complete training

Earn commercial license/type rating and join as First Officer.

Year 5-7

Senior First Officer

Build experience, potentially start command training.

Year 8-12

Captain upgrade

Command seat with significant salary increase.

Year 15+

Senior Captain / Management

Training captain, fleet manager, or management pilot roles.

Is It Worth It? ROI Analysis

Training Investment

GBP 100,000-120,000 (loans available)

Est. Year 1 Salary

$50,000

Payback Period

~2 years

A career airline pilot typically earns $3M - $10M+ over a 30-year career, depending on the airline and rank achieved. Even with a significant upfront investment, the lifetime ROI is substantial.

Bottom line: The investment is significant but the guaranteed pathway to a major airline makes this one of the best career investments available.

Application Tips

One of the better LCC employers in Europe

UK and EU base options available

Generation easyJet cadet programme for ab-initio

Good work-life balance for an LCC

Meeting the entry requirements gets you into the process. What removes most candidates is the process itself.

Before a human reads your application there is an aptitude battery, and candidates consistently report it as the heaviest cull — pace, not difficulty. You can practise it here for free: timed papers generated fresh each run, plus a divided-attention drill that measures how much your performance degrades under load. And when you reach the interview, there are 100 easyJet-specific questions with model answers, the red flags that fail each one, and the follow-ups the panel actually asks.

Practise the aptitude stage — freeSee easyJet questions free

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the easyJet cadet program cost?
The Generation easyJet costs GBP 100,000-120,000 (loans available). Financing options may be available through partner institutions.
How long is the easyJet cadet training?
The programme duration is 18-24 months training + direct entry.
Is the easyJet cadet program sponsored?
No, the Generation easyJet is self-funded. However, financing options may be available.
What are the entry requirements for easyJet cadet program?
Minimum requirements include: At least 4,000 flying hours, with 1,000 hours PIC on the A320, At least 4,000 flying hours, with 1,000 hours PIC on jet aircraft over 30 tonnes MTOW, At least 500 hours on the A320. Specific cadet entry requirements may differ from direct-entry requirements.
What salary will I earn after the easyJet cadet program?
First-year Europe First Officer salaries typically fall between $42,500 and $62,500. Career earnings over 30 years usually exceed $3M-$10M depending on rank and seniority.
Is the easyJet cadet program worth it?
At a cost of GBP 100,000-120,000 (loans available) and an estimated first-year salary of $50,000, the investment could be recovered in approximately 2 years. Career earnings over 30+ years typically exceed $5M+.
What is the acceptance rate for the easyJet cadet program?
Top cadet programmes typically accept 1-5% of applicants. Selection is based on aptitude testing, group exercises, simulator assessment, and structured interviews. Preparation with airline-specific question banks and aptitude practice materially improves your odds.

For Cadet Candidates

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