Brussels Airlines starts MPL scheme for future pilots

ANTWERP - Brussels Airlines opens a cadet pilot programme of its own for the first time. The Lufthansa airline is looking to attract 20 to 30 future pilots per year into a "partially sponsored" MPL scheme.

Brussels Airlines launches a new partnership with Skywings, a flight training academy based in Antwerp.

The program allows "20 to 30 cadet pilots" to be recruited by the airline per year "even before they have started their training," Brussels Airlines said. "Skywings will train these future pilots according to the high standards of Brussels Airlines and familiarize them to the airlines’ procedures."

Unlike Lufthansa Group flight school EFA, which trains future pilots by ATPL standards, Brussels Airines opted for an MPL path and expects first graduates by 2026. "Once the training is completed, these pilots can join Brussels Airlines as first officer on the A319 and A320 fleet," the airline said.

The MPL course fee of 99,500 EUR is "partially sponsored", according to Brussels Airlines. Admission is subject to a multi-stage selection process that includes "basic aptitude testing", "psychological testing" and an "HR interview". Candidates must be between 17 and 32 of age at the time of application.

More information is available on the Brussels Airlines career website.