Ryanair operates Europe's largest airline pilot training program, recruiting hundreds of pilots annually to support its 590+ Boeing 737 fleet serving 250+ destinations. The Ryanair Future Flyer Academy (formerly Ryanair Mentored Programme) offers aspiring pilots with little or no aviation experience a structured pathway to obtain an EASA Commercial Pilot Licence and join Europe's largest low-cost carrier. With partner flight schools across Europe, conditional job offers upon enrolment, and bonded type rating included, Ryanair provides one of the most accessible routes to an airline career.
Ryanair Pilot Training at a Glance
Ab-Initio Cost
€58-131K
By school
Duration
16-24
Months to fATPL
FO Salary
€50-85K
Total year 1
Fleet Size
590+
Boeing 737s
Program Overview
Ryanair Holdings PLC is Europe's largest airline group, carrying over 180 million passengers annually on more than 3,600 daily flights from over 80 bases. The airline invests approximately €25 million annually in pilot recruitment and training, with plans to operate 800 aircraft by 2034 including over 300 Boeing 737 MAX-10 deliveries. The Future Flyer Academy trains over 400 aspiring pilots who join as Second Officers over four years.
Program Benefits
- • Conditional job offer upon enrolment
- • B737 type rating included (bonded)
- • 98% final assessment pass rate
- • Priority on type rating courses
- • Ryanair SOPs from day one
- • Personal mentorship from Ryanair pilots
Ryanair Fleet
- • Boeing 737-800 (NG)
- • Boeing 737 MAX 8-200
- • Boeing 737 MAX-10 (from 2027)
- • 590+ aircraft currently
- • 800 aircraft target by 2034
- • Single type fleet simplicity
Conditional Job Offer
Ab-initio and Gateway 1 graduates receive a conditional job offer from Ryanair before they even start pilot training. This provides career security from day one, with the Boeing 737 type rating included at no upfront cost (subject to training bond agreement).
Training Pathways
Ryanair offers three training routes through approved partner schools, depending on candidate experience level. All programmes are developed and delivered according to Ryanair Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
| Pathway | Entry Level | Duration | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ab-Initio Integrated | Zero experience | 16-24 months | Frozen ATPL + Type Rating |
| Gateway 1 (Modular) | PPL + ATPL theory | ~4 months | CPL/IR/ME + Type Rating |
| Gateway 2 (APS MCC) | CPL + ME/IR | 8-10 days | APS MCC Certificate |
Ab-Initio Integrated Programme
The full-time "zero to hero" course takes 16-24 months. Students complete approximately 220 flight hours, ATPL ground school (750+ hours), AUPRT (Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training), and Ryanair-specific APS MCC on Boeing 737 simulator. Graduates finish with a frozen ATPL licence and proceed directly to type rating.
Gateway 1 (Modular Route)
For candidates with PPL, 100 hours PIC (or 70 hours from integrated training), and ATPL theory completed. Approximately 4 months intensive training covering CPL, IR, ME, and AUPRT according to Ryanair SOPs, concluding with APS MCC on B737 simulator.
Gateway 2 (APS MCC Only)
For CPL holders with valid ME/IR and AUPRT completed. Industry-leading APS MCC course linking initial training to airline operations. Approximately €5,995-€6,000 at partner schools.
Type Rating Bond
The Boeing 737 type rating (~€29,000 value) is provided at no upfront cost for ab-initio and Gateway 1 graduates. This is subject to a training bond agreement requiring a 5-year commitment—leaving early incurs significant financial penalty.
Partner Schools
Ryanair has carefully selected partner ATOs (Approved Training Organisations) across Europe. Only official partners are endorsed by the Ryanair Training Department. Applications are submitted directly to partner schools.
| Partner School | Location | Programmes |
|---|---|---|
| AFTA (Atlantic Flight Training Academy) | Cork, Ireland | Ab-Initio, Gateway 1, Gateway 2 |
| Bartolini Air | Łódź, Poland | Ab-Initio, Gateway 1, Gateway 2 |
| Skyborne Airline Academy | Gloucestershire, UK | Ab-Initio, Gateway 1, Gateway 2 |
| Aviomar Flight Academy | Rome & Parma, Italy | Ab-Initio, Gateway 1, Gateway 2 |
| Astonfly | France | Ab-Initio, Gateway 1 |
| Airline Flight Academy (AFA) | Dublin, Ireland | Gateway 2 (APS MCC) |
Skyborne UK Advantage
- • Only UK-approved Future Flyer provider
- • Dual UK CAA + EASA licence
- • Accommodation included
- • Campus at Gloucestershire Airport
- • Brexit-proof licensing
Bartolini Air Advantage
- • Lowest cost option (~€58K)
- • Modern fleet at international airport
- • EU/non-EU visa assistance
- • Poland cost of living savings
- • Strong Ryanair partnership
Costs
| Partner School | Ab-Initio Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Bartolini Air | ~€58,000 | fATPL + AUPRT + APS MCC |
| AFTA (Ireland) | €109,000 | fATPL + AUPRT + APS MCC + equipment |
| Skyborne (UK) | ~£131,000 | Dual licence + accommodation |
| Gateway 2 (APS MCC) | €5,995-€6,000 | B737 simulator MCC course |
| B737 Type Rating | Bonded (€29K value) | No upfront cost (5-year bond) |
AFTA Payment Plan
AFTA offers structured payments: €2,000 deposit + €30,000 (day one) + €28,500 (week 20) + €28,500 (week 40) + €20,000 (week 48). Includes uniform, pilot bag, headset, digital ATPL books, CRP5, knee-board, logbook, VFR charts, and Ryanair SOP access.
Salary & Career Progression
| Position | Base Salary | Total Package |
|---|---|---|
| First Officer (EU) | €26,000-€36,000 | €50,000-€70,000 |
| First Officer (UK) | £59,500 | £79,500-£84,500 |
| Captain (EU) | €90,000-€120,000 | €120,000-€155,000 |
| Captain (UK) | £114,000 | ~£145,000 |
Pay includes base salary plus sector pay (~€20/£17 per flight hour), allowances, and pension contributions. Ryanair expects approximately 850 block hours annually. Captains can earn additional income through dual licence allowance (£5,000), overtime, and roster bonuses. Promotion to Captain typically takes 4-5 years based on seniority and performance.
Career Progression
- Second Officer → First Officer → Senior First Officer
- Captain (4-5 years typical)
- Training Captain / Type Rating Instructor (TRI)
- Type Rating Examiner (TRE)
- Management / Office-based roles
- 80+ bases across Europe for base transfers
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
- Age 18+ to commence training
- EU/EEA passport with unrestricted right to live and work in EU
- EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate
- Leaving Certificate or equivalent education
- English proficiency (ICAO Level 4 minimum)
- Less than 500 total flight hours (cadet programme)
- Disciplined, motivated with leadership qualities
Selection Process
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Partner School Application | Apply directly to chosen ATO |
| 2. ATO Assessment | Online tests + in-person evaluation |
| 3. Training (16-24 months) | Frozen ATPL + APS MCC |
| 4. Final Ryanair Assessment | Simulator + technical interview |
| 5. Type Rating (6-8 weeks) | B737 ground school + simulator |
| 6. Line Training (4-6 weeks) | 20+ sectors with Training Captain |
Pre-Assessment Important
Partner ATOs assess candidates before commitment to ensure they have the capability to complete training and are suitable for Ryanair. This pre-assessment contributes to the 98% pass rate at final Ryanair assessment. If unsuccessful, feedback is provided and additional training may be offered before a second attempt.
Official Programme: careers.ryanair.com/pilots
Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
Fleet: 590+ Boeing 737 aircraft (NG and MAX)
Bases: 80+ across Europe
Information accurate as of January 2026. Contact Ryanair or partner schools for current pricing and availability.