TUI Group is the world’s number one integrated tourism business. Within TUI Group, TUI Airline regroups all airline activities across UK, Nordics, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Morocco, France, and the Dutch Antilles. Flight Operations is a function within our airline organisation responsible for the safe and efficient operation of our airline. The Flight Operations function operates as a multi-disciplinary team of experts driving efficiency and innovation.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our TUI Airline Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) Cadet Programme, where over a 19-month period you will complete your initial flying training, and eventually fly the Boeing 737 as a Cadet Pilot from one of our UK bases. With no previous flying experience necessary, you’ll complete our MPL programme, which has been developed by TUI Airline, and you will be instructed by TUI Airline trainers throughout the course. The course will start in September 2025.
As an MPL Cadet Pilot you will:
• Have a genuine passion for aviation with a clear understanding of the TUI strategy and values (Trusted, Unique, Inspiring)
• Have the mental capacity, drive and motivation to fully commit to your training for the duration of the course
• Be resilient with the ability to manage stress effectively
• Be a great team player and natural leader with excellent communication skills
• Have a proven ability to make the right decision in any given scenario
• With excellent customer service skills, you’ll demonstrate a desire to deliver a great experience for our customers on every flight and ensure everyone sees us as the best-loved holiday company
Role Requirements
• At least 18 years of age on or before 1st September 2025
• Have at least five GCSEs including Maths, English and a Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Combined Science). Maths must be at grade B/6 or above and the others at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent qualifications
• Fluent in English (verbal and written) to the standard of ICAO Level 5
• Eligible to live and work indefinitely in the UK without additional approvals (visa sponsorship cannot be given for this role)
• A valid passport which permits unrestricted worldwide travel
• At least 1.58m (5ft 2in) tall
• Able to swim at least 25m
• Meet the requirements for the issue of a CAA Class One Medical
• Before commencing training, complete referencing and pre-employment checks required for the issue of an airport security ID
• If you already hold a PPL, you must not have more than 100 hours (total time) or hold any additional ratings such as a night rating, instrument rating or instructor rating
• Only candidates who have not previously attempted an ATPL exam (regardless of the result) are eligible to apply
Course Information
The training for the MPL Cadet Programme begins with a theoretical training phase which is where you’ll study the required theoretical knowledge and complete the 13 ATPL exams.
ATPL Theoretical Knowledge
Duration – 750 hours/6.5 months
Location – A combination of remote Computer-Based Training (CBT), virtual classroom learning (from your home location), and in-person classroom learning. You’ll also complete some observation flights from your local airport during this period.
Following on from the theoretical training phase, you will complete 4 practical training phases:
Phase 1 – Core Flying Skills
Basic single pilot flying training will be in a Diamond DA40 aircraft and you’ll complete approximately 65 hours of flying. During this phase, you’ll also complete Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (UPRT) on an advanced trainer aircraft.
Duration – Approximately 4 months
Location – Training will be in Oxford
Phase 2 – Basic Introduction of Multi-Crew Operations & Instrument Flying
This phase will take place in a B737 fixed base simulator. You’ll complete approximately 144 hours in the simulator and learn about instrument flying in a multi-crew environment.
Duration – Approximately 5 months
Location – Training will be in Gatwick
Phase 3 – Intermediate Flying Training
This will take place in a B737 full flight simulator where you’ll operate in a multi-crew environment using TUI procedures. You’ll complete approximately 16 hours in the simulator before moving onto the advanced phase.
Duration – Approximately 3 months
Location – Training will be in Gatwick
Phase 4 – Advanced Flying Training
This phase consists of the final elements of the B737 Type Rating, including approximately 20 hours on a full flight simulator and completion of circuit training on the B737.
Duration – Approximately 3 months
Location – Training will be in Gatwick
Funding
The MPL Cadet Programme includes the following:
• All course and training costs
• All upfront training and licence fees
• Accommodation when required to be away from home during practical phases 1-4
• Uniform
• ATPL theory exam fees
• All required equipment such as manuals, iPad etc.
• Initial Class 1 medical
• Class 1 medical renewals
The following expenses are not included, and the student pilot is responsible for them:
• Personal travel
• Food and personal living expenses
Upon completion of training and joining TUI as a Cadet Pilot, you’ll be paid a Cadet Pilot salary for four years, which will include repayment of training costs to TUI. The full time equivalent salary is currently £37,751 (post deduction) and will increase in line with pilot pay scheduling agreements. Further details will be provided at the Assessment Centre should you be successful. For further details of career progression, please read the FAQs at the bottom of the page.
Timeline
• Applications close 31st January 2025
• Outcome of digital interview issued via email by the end of March 2025
• Assessment centre held at East Midlands Airport 7th-11th April 2025
• Simulator Assessments held in London Gatwick 3rd-7th May 2025
• Final outcome issued June/July 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Initial Application
You need to have at least five GCSEs including maths, English and a science. Maths must be at grade B/6 or above and all others at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent qualifications. To view equivalent qualifications, please click here.
Yes, if successfully invited to an assessment centre, you will need to bring certified proof of academic qualifications which need to be in English.
Yes, a degree in any field supersedes the GCSE requirements so you may submit an application.
All applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK indefinitely without additional approvals. We’re unable to sponsor or support any visa applications.
No, a cover letter is not required.
No previous flight training or experience is necessary.
Yes, you can still apply if you hold a PPL but with a maximum of 100hrs total time. No additional ratings may have been added to the licence, i.e., Night Rating, Instrument Rating, Flight Instructor Rating etc.
If you have commenced an integrated ATPL course or have attempted any theoretical exams required for the issue of a Commercial Pilot Licence or Airline Transport Pilot Licence (regardless of the result) you will not be accepted on the TUI UK MPL Scheme.
No, this programme is designed for those who have no, or very little flying experience.
You must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st September 2025. If you are 17, you may still submit an application so long as you are 18 on or before 1st September 2025.
Funding
Training costs are not required to be paid prior to or during training. Upon completion of training and joining TUI as a cadet pilot, you’ll be paid a cadet salary for four years. This salary is currently £37,751 and will increase in line with pilot pay scheduling agreements.
No, you will not receive a salary or allowances whilst training.
The training is full time, and it will be necessary to study in your own time outside of this, therefore we strongly recommend against working alongside your training.
You’ll be issued with a conditional offer of employment with TUI Airways on commencement of your course; however, you’ll be required to complete your training to the required standard in order to proceed with a career as a cadet entry pilot at TUI.
Yes, there is a bond to cover the cost of your training. If you leave within the first four years of employment as a pilot, you will be liable to pay back some, or all of your training costs. Further details about this will be given as the assessment centre should you receive an invite.
Training
We will have 3 course start dates – September, October and November 2025.
We will take preferences, but these can’t be guaranteed. We will always try to accommodate your notice period of your current role.
No, these are the only courses in 2025.
Yes, there will be courses on an annual basis.
No, if successful, you will be offered a 2025 course start date and we cannot defer any places.
The course will take approximately 19 months to complete.
The training course is full time, and you will have rostered days off. We are unable to give leave for holidays or other events.
The ground school is mostly self-study and virtual classroom from your own home. You will be required to attend classroom training for one week every 6 weeks. The flying and simulator training will take place within a TUI approved training facility which may be outside of the UK.
Accommodation will be provided when you are required to be away from home during practical phases 1-4.
Yes, you must stay at the training location when you are training.
You will be issued with a Multi-Pilot Licence (MPL) and this will enable you to operate a Boeing 737 acting as co-pilot in an aeroplane required to be operated with a co-pilot for commercial air transport.
An MPL can be upgraded to an ATPL providing the licence holder is at least 21 years old and has a minimum of 1500 hours flying time.
You’ll be advised of your UK base towards the end of your training. Base preferences will be taken into account but cannot be guaranteed.
Yes, all MPL cadets will be issued with a uniform that is provided by TUI.
If your tattoo could be deemed offensive in any way, it must be covered. All neck, throat and face tattoos regardless of location and size need to be covered.
Assessment Process
The assessment centre is planned for 7th-11th April 2025 and simulator assessments planned for 3rd-7th May 2025. These will be the only dates available.
If you have completed your assessments, rest assured we have received them, and they will be reviewed within the given timelines.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we are unable to give individual feedback. You can resubmit an application next year.
We aim to have all digital interview outcomes issued by the end of March 2025.
We cannot give individual feedback but click here for some helpful tips.
If you’re experiencing technical issues with your online assessments, you should firstly review our technical help page by clicking here.
Please click here to find some practice tests.
Please ensure that you read the information on this page thoroughly and if you need to ask a question that’s not already answered, you can contact us by emailing cadet.recruitment@tui.co.uk and a member of the pilot recruitment team will respond to you.