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 1^st 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Initial Application

Funding

Training

Assessment Process