UK leisure airline Jet2.com recently welcomed the UK Minister for Aviation, Mike Kane MP, to its multi-million-pound training centre to highlight its commitment to developing long-term careers in aviation and making training more accessible.

During the visit, Minister Kane toured the airline’s cutting-edge training facility, where he met staff and trainees from across the business – including pilots, engineers, cabin crew and ground operations. The facility serves as a centre of excellence, supporting Jet2.com’s long-term growth plans by training thousands of colleagues annually.

A key focus of the visit was the new Jet2FlightPath initiative, launched in May 2025. The fully funded pilot training scheme will give up to 60 aspiring pilots the chance to earn their Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) without having to self-fund the typical £100,000-plus training cost. Following a rigorous selection process, successful candidates will undertake an 18-month training course in the UK, Spain or US, with Type Rating training to follow on either an Airbus or Boeing aircraft before joining Jet2.com as a pilot.

The initiative is open to candidates from all backgrounds, with the aim of boosting social mobility and increasing diversity across the pilot profession.

David Neill, corporate affairs and sustainability director at Jet2.com, said: “As well as giving the Minister an in-depth tour of this fantastic facility, we were extremely proud to show how our brand-new and fully funded pilot training programme, Jet2FlightPath, is helping make the dream of flying for a commercial airline become a reality for many, including those who may have thought that the opportunity was beyond their means.”

Reflecting on his visit, Minister Kane added: “From stepping into the simulator to meeting the talented trainees and experienced engineers, I was hugely impressed by the level of investment, innovation and ambition on display. This facility is not only a testament to the strength of our aviation sector but also to the fantastic career opportunities being created right here in the North West.”

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