Brussels Airlines – MPL Cadet Pilot Programme – 2027

Brussels Airlines is recruiting for its Brussels Airlines MPL Cadet programme for 2027, offering aspiring pilots the opportunity to train for a career as a First Officer on the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet.

No previous flying experience or aviation knowledge is required. Successful candidates will complete an intensive 19-month Multi-Crew Pilot Licence training programme with Skywings Flight Training before joining Brussels Airlines as a First Officer.

Brussels Airlines MPL Cadet opportunity

The programme is designed for ambitious candidates looking to begin a professional airline pilot career, including both recent school leavers and those considering a career change.

Training is conducted by Skywings Flight Training, primarily from its campus at Antwerp Airport. Following successful completion of the programme, cadets will hold an EASA MPL together with an Airbus A320 type rating.

Successful graduates will then receive a First Officer contract with Brussels Airlines and commence line training on the Airbus A320 fleet.

Entry requirements

• Hold a passport issued by a member state of the European Union.
• Be fluent in spoken and written English.
• Be fluent in spoken and written French and/or Dutch.
• Be able to obtain an EASA Class 1 medical certificate before training begins.
• Be able to provide a certificate of good conduct.
• Be able to provide evidence of completion of secondary education.
• No previous flying experience or aviation knowledge is required.

Training programme

The full-time MPL training programme lasts approximately 19 months and includes the theoretical and practical training required to begin flying professionally for Brussels Airlines.

The main training base is Skywings Flight Training at Antwerp Airport. Part of the programme may also take place at a fair-weather training base in Spain.

Training is intensive and cannot normally be combined with another job or significant outside activity. Training may take place at weekends and outside normal office hours.

On successful completion, cadets will receive an EASA Multi-Crew Pilot Licence and Airbus A320 type rating. The MPL can subsequently progress to an ATPL once the required 1,500 flight hours and other experience and competency requirements have been met.

Training cost

Brussels Airlines describes the programme as partially sponsored. The advertised training cost is €112,500 including VAT, payable in three instalments.

The advertised price includes the training costs but excludes:

• Landing fees.
• Antwerp Airport Security Badge.
• Initial EASA Class 1 medical examination.

If training takes place at the fair-weather base in Spain, accommodation and transport there are included. Accommodation and transport while training in Belgium are the responsibility of the candidate.

Recruitment process

Following an initial application screening, shortlisted candidates will undertake an extensive assessment process which includes:

• Basic aptitude testing.
• Written and spoken English testing.
• Psychological testing.
• Mathematics and physics testing.
• HR interview.

Employment with Brussels Airlines

After successfully completing the MPL programme, graduates will receive a contract as a First Officer with Brussels Airlines.

New First Officers will initially complete line training accompanied by a training captain before undertaking a final line check. Once this is successfully completed, they will be fully released as an operating First Officer.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted through the official Brussels Airlines recruitment website. Candidates will be asked to provide a CV, motivation letter, certificate of good conduct and secondary school diploma where available.

Application deadline: 1 November 2026.