Air France Launches 2026 Cadet Program Recruitment Drive: Fully Funded Training by Airline
Air France has officially launched its new recruitment campaign for the Cadet Pilot Program, a high-level training initiative fully funded by the airline. Applications will remain open from June 15 through July 31, 2026, offering a direct career path to the flight decks of both the mainline carrier and its subsidiary, Transavia.
Program Structure and Training Duration
This program stands out as a unique opportunity among major European carriers, offering a comprehensive 24-month training course. Flight instruction is provided by partner flight schools that have been rigorously selected by the airline itself.
Upon successful completion of the training, cadets will formally join the ranks as First Officers. The deployment of the new pilots will be distributed across the following fleets based on their airline assignment:
- Air France: Operating Airbus A220 or Airbus A320 aircraft.
- Transavia: Piloting Boeing 737 and Airbus A320neo models.
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Driving Diversity and Gender Balance
Since the initiative was relaunched in 2018, more than 300 young pilots have integrated into Air France and Transavia operations. The current recruitment drive maintains an inclusive approach, designed to attract diverse talent and increase female representation within the commercial aviation sector.
The selection process is open to a wide pool of applicants:
- Recent graduates.
- Students from scientific backgrounds.
- Professionals undergoing a career change.
Reflecting the organization’s progress in gender equity, 25% of the cadets selected during the 2025 intake were women.
Informational Webinar and Crew Testimonials
To outline the phases of the selection process and the training curriculum, Air France will host an informational webinar next Tuesday, June 23, at 6:00 p.m. This event will be held in partnership with the French Aeronautical Federation (FFA). To register for the webinar, click here.
During the broadcast, applicants will get a firsthand look at the experiences of active company pilots. Speakers will include Laure-Anne, a pilot graduated from this very cadet program, alongside Chafik Kheffafa and Audorisca Roger-Rollé, both current Air France pilots.
Beyond commercial pilot training, Air France maintains an active search for talent across other strategic sectors of the organization, with a particular emphasis on aircraft maintenance and information technology. All available job vacancies and the application forms for the Cadet Program are managed exclusively through the airline’s official recruitment website.
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