This follows an unprecedented response to its first year intake, which saw more than 20,000 applications for just 100 places.

The Speedbird Pilot Academy initiative, part of the airline’s £7bn investment across the business, is aimed at levelling the playing field and making a career as a commercial airline pilot a realistic option for all, removing the previously prohibitive cost barrier of individuals having to pay for their training themselves.

Simon Cheadle, British Airways’ director of flight operations, said: “We know from the overwhelming response and high standard of applications we had in the first year of Speedbird Pilot Academy, that there are a lot of talented people who just need a little bit of help to achieve their dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot – and we are pleased to give them that opportunity.

“We want to continue to attract the very best flying talent and our investment in this programme will help to ensure our future generation of pilots for years to come.”

Candidates will be able to apply for up to 100 places on the programme – that will see the approximate £100k cost of their training covered entirely by the airline – through the British Airways careers site.

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