Gloucestershire pilot training experts Skyborne have been chosen for an "ambitious" new training deal with British Airways.

In an unveiling of new recruitment plans, BA has launched the Whitetail Recruitment programme to enlist eligible trainee pilots and military flight crews.

Launching this month, the scheme is in partnership with approved training organisation (ATO) Skyborne, which is based at Gloucestershire AIrport, along with aero trainers L3Harris, Leading Edge Aviation, FTEJerez, and CAE.

BA says it is stepping up efforts to recruit and train pilots of the future and the scheme will see trainee pilots will being 'tagged' as potential candidates suitable for a career with the airline.

A spokesman said: "Eligibility for the whitetail recruitment programme extends to any students enrolled in courses with the partnering ATOs, regardless of whether they're pursuing modular or integrated training paths. To qualify, students must have completed their Air Transport Pilot License (ATPL) theory exams.

Students meeting the entry criteria laid out by British Airways will receive conditional job offers and the criteria includes an average of 85% on Ground School exams, no more than three exam retakes, only one allowed course re-enrollment, and a first series pass in Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Instrument Rating (IR). Applicants must also hold an APS MCC certification and hold their UK Part-FCL licence, and the opportunity is open to anyone who completed their training from 1st January 2020 onwards.

● Skyborne's Airline Academy, as one of the top pilot training academies in the UK, is also inviting potential pilots to come along and find out more about its training. An Open Day will take place on Saturday July 29th. A spokesman said the day is an opportunity to tour the academy and meet flight instructors and students in training, as well as learn more about courses and hear directly from airline partners about Skyborne's Preferred Hiring Pathway to becoming a professional pilot.