Airline graduate schemes

With roles as diverse as logistics and leadership, finance, business and data, opportunities to work for an airline extend far beyond becoming a pilot or member of the cabin crew

What are airline graduate schemes?

Graduate schemes are structured, often competitive, development programmes offered by airlines to attract and nurture talented graduates. They are designed to fast-track participants' careers in the aviation industry, providing them with a mix of on-the-job training, formal education, and exposure to various business functions within the company.

Whether you have your heart set on becoming a member of the air cabin crew, managing the aircraft on the ground as an air traffic controller, or joining one of the leading graduate schemes in your chosen business area - be that IT, finance, HR or marketing - there are plenty of options.

Read all about graduate schemes.

Which airlines offer graduate schemes?

• Aer Lingus - offer graduate programmes in aircraft engineering, customer, finance, digital technology and operations.
• British Airways (BA) - commercial business, data science, operations planning and engineering technical are just some of the schemes on offer.
• easyJet - its Runway Management Graduate Programme provides engineering, finance and management options.
• Emirates - you'll work across operations, customer service, and leadership roles. Graduates also receive extensive training in business management and leadership.
• Ryanair - programmes are available in corporate, operations or IT covering everything from customer service to flight ops and IT security.
• Virgin Atlantic - the graduate programme gives you an overview of the business and sees you working in multiple teams across engineering services and production.

Not an airline but a huge employer in the aviation field, Heathrow Airport also runs graduate schemes focused on leadership development in areas including generalist leadership, engineering, procurement and finance.

³§¾±³¾¾±±ô²¹°ù±ô²â,ÌýManchester Airport run graduate programmes in:

• airport operations
• asset management sustainability and renewables
• finance
• project management
• property development
• technology.

What are the benefits of joining an airline programme?

Joining an airline graduate scheme offers:

• structured career development and leadership opportunities
• exposure to different roles within a global company
• global career potential with travel perks and international placements
• competitive salary and employee benefits
• access to a strong professional network and career stability
• personal growth through challenging projects and mentorship.

For those passionate about aviation, a graduate scheme offers a unique opportunity to gain unparalleled experience in a dynamic industry, making it an attractive choice for many recent graduates.

What do airline graduate schemes involve?

Typically lasting between 18 months and two years, graduate schemes differ between airlines but here's what you can expect.

• Rotations across departments - lasting four to six months you'll move across departments includes sales, commercial and operations developing a range of skills while gaining a broad understanding of how the airline operates
• Structured training - you’ll start off learning about the airline's culture and how it operates before moving on to industry specific knowledge in areas such as aviation regulations and customer service standards. An element of your programme may also focus on leadership and soft skills, such as teamwork and problem solving.
• Mentoring - you'll likely be paired with a senior leader or manager who will offer career guidance, support, and advice.
• Networking opportunities - take any opportunities to meet and network with senior executives and colleagues across the organisation. This can help you build a professional network that could benefit your career.
• Real-world projects and responsibilities - you'll be working on real business projects that are important to the airline's operations, such as improving customer experience or streamlining operational efficiency. As you progress through the programme, you’ll gradually take on more responsibility and ownership of projects.
• Performance reviews and feedback - these ensure you are meeting the programme's objectives and give you an opportunity to address areas for improvement.
• Global exposure - you may have the option for an international placement and may also be exposed to different markets, helping you understand cultural nuances and how the airline tailors its offerings to different regions.

What are the entry requirements?

The entry requirements for an airline graduate scheme can vary depending on the airline, the programme, and the role you're applying for.

You'll usually need a 2:1 degree, although some airlines will accept a 2:2 if you have work experience or can demonstrate a strong skill set. Your degree can be in any subject, although some airlines may prefer certain subjects depending on the role. For example business, engineering, tourism, or aviation management may be useful.

What skills do I need to succeed on an airline graduate scheme?

Depending on your role you’ll need:

• Decision-making - the ability to make confident and informed decisions under pressure.
• Verbal and written communication - clear, professional communication with both internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Active listening - listening carefully to understand problems and provide thoughtful responses.
• Cross-cultural communication - many airlines operate globally, so being sensitive to cultural differences is essential.
• Critical thinking - the ability to break down complex issues and analyse them from multiple angles.
• Data analysis - using data to make informed decisions, whether it's customer feedback, operational metrics, or financial analysis.
• Creative problem-solving - finding unique and effective solutions to challenges that may not have a one-size-fits-all answer.
• Adaptability - ability to adjust to new roles, departments, or strategies with a positive attitude.
• Resilience - you won’t get everything right first time but it’s about how you bounce back from setbacks or challenges.
• Multi-tasking - being able to manage multiple responsibilities and projects at once, especially in fast-paced environments.
• Prioritisation - knowing which tasks are most urgent and important, and focusing on them first.
• Planning - setting clear goals and creating structured plans to achieve them.
• Attention to detail - ensuring that small but important details don't get overlooked, especially in areas like customer service or safety.
• Empathy - understanding and responding to customer needs with care and consideration.
• Customer-centric mindset - always looking for ways to improve the customer experience, whether that's through better service, more efficient processes, or innovative solutions.
• Big-picture thinking - understanding how day-to-day operations align with larger strategic goals.
• Market awareness - keeping up with industry trends, competitor strategies, and global challenges that could impact the airline.
• Financial understanding - ability to analyse costs, budgets, and profitability, even at a high level.
• Business strategy - understanding how different areas of the business (marketing, operations, HR) contribute to the airline's overall success.
• Marketing and branding knowledge - familiarity with how airlines position themselves in the market and attract customers.
• Collaboration - working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and skill sets.
• Computer literacy - familiarity with Excel, data visualisation tools, and basic analytics software as well as airline management systems, booking platforms, or CRM tools.
• A second language - for international exposure or roles in global operations, knowing another language (especially in regions where the airline operates frequently) can be a big plus.

How do I apply?

Application processes can vary but generally the first step is to complete an online application form. Next, you'll face a screening process, which usually involves psychometric tests. You'll then take part in a remote or face-to-face interview. If all goes well, you'll then be invited to an assessment day involving group exercises, presentations and second-round face-to-face interviews.

How much will I be paid on an airline graduate scheme?

The salary for an airline graduate scheme can vary depending on the airline's location and the specific programme. However, most graduate schemes offer competitive salaries ranging from £25,000 to £35,000. British Airways pays those on its Commercial Business programme £33,600 and £33,000 for its Future Leaders scheme.

As part of your airline graduate scheme you may be given the ability to travel for free or at a discounted rate, both for work and personal trips. You may also receive other standard employment benefits, such as healthcare, pension contributions, and bonuses for performance.

Will I be offered a job afterwards?

For the majority of programmes the answer is yes. However, some companies will state that offers of permanent employment aren't guaranteed upon completion, so you should check this before applying.

Find out more

• Gain an insight into the transport and logistics sector.
• Discover more about the role of an airline pilot and explore how to become a pilot in the UK.