A complete Multi-Crew Pilot Licence pathway delivered in Sharjah, UAE — covering ground school, simulator training, flying, base training and line training, with the opportunity to progress as a Second Officer after meeting Air Arabia's standards.
Air Arabia's Cadet Pilot Programme selects and assesses candidates before training begins. The conventional route requires candidates to complete medicals, ground examinations and approximately 200 hours of flight training before independently applying for airline vacancies.
| Criteria | Cadet Pilot Programme (MPL) | Conventional CPL |
|---|---|---|
| Selection | Airline screens the candidate before training begins. | The candidate trains first, then applies for airline vacancies. |
| Licence earned | MPL with validated ATPL in the Air Arabia pathway. | Standalone CPL, not airline-specific. |
| Cost structure | Fixed programme fee disclosed by the Academy, with upfront or milestone-based payment options. | Varies by flight training organisation, country, exchange rate and conversion requirements. |
| Job outcome | Opportunity to join as Second Officer on a specific fleet after meeting programme and airline standards. | No guaranteed airline seat; the pilot applies when vacancies open. |
The figures below show approximate self-funded conventional training costs from the supplied guide. Foreign-trained pilots generally need DGCA licence conversion before flying for an Indian airline.
| Route / Country | Licence | Hours | Duration | Total Cost (Approx.) | DGCA Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royhle — Philippines | PPL/CPL/IR/ME (CAAP) | 220 hrs | 12–14 months | USD 61,500 (~₹54.6 lakh) | Yes |
| Aviation Junction — South Africa | PPL/CPL/ME/IR (SACAA) | 200 hrs | ~12 months | ZAR 9.6 lakh (~₹52.8 lakh) | Yes |
| NZAA — New Zealand | PPL/CPL (CAA NZ) | 200 hrs | 10 months | NZD 115–135K (~₹62–73 lakh) | Yes |
| India — Conventional FTO | PPL/CPL (DGCA) | 200 hrs minimum | 18–24 months | ₹55–85 lakh (all-inclusive average) | No — direct |
| USA — Part 141 | PPL/CPL/IR/ME (FAA) | 190–250 hrs | 12–18 months | USD 70–110K (~₹62–98 lakh) | Yes |
| Europe — EASA Integrated | CPL/IR/ME, frozen ATPL | 195–220 hrs | 18–24 months | EUR 45–140K (~₹42 lakh–₹1.3 crore) | Yes |
The supplied guide estimates that foreign licence conversion can add approximately ₹8–15 lakh and 3–6 months. All figures are indicative and should be reconfirmed before financial planning.
The Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Programme is an airline-sponsored, zero-experience-to-cockpit pathway delivered by Air Arabia Academy, operating in partnership with T3 Aviation Academy (formerly Alpha Aviation Academy), at Sharjah International Airport, UAE.
Candidates progress through ground school, simulator training and flight training toward a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence with a validated Airline Transport Pilot Licence. The syllabus is built specifically for multi-crew airline operations from the beginning.
Cadets who meet Air Arabia's standards on completion receive the opportunity to continue with the airline as a Second Officer on the Airbus A320/A321 family and progress toward First Officer.
More than 550 cadets are shown as currently in training in the supplied programme guide.
Total flying hours accrued on the A320 by programme graduates.
Hours built into the programme's line-training progression toward the validated ATPL.
Track-record source stated in the supplied guide: Air Arabia Academy official Airline Pilot Training Programme (MPL) brochure, 2025 edition.
The cadet-to-pilot journey progresses through seven specialised phases.
Theoretical knowledge classes covering all 14 ATPL subjects.
Core flying training on single-engine aircraft.
Transition from single-pilot flying to Multi-Crew Cooperation in the Academy's A320 fixed-base simulator.
Consolidation of multi-crew operations in Airbus A320 Level D simulators.
Final training phase leading to the regulatory A320 Type Rating.
Multiple take-offs and landings on the Airbus A320 with airline instructors.
Building the required flying hours on the Airbus A320, culminating in the validated ATPL.
On successful completion, the cadet obtains the MPL and continues through Air Arabia's line-training journey, building the required hours toward the validated ATPL and the opportunity to be released onto the line as a Second Officer.
These baseline requirements are checked early in the process.
17–34 years at application
160–195 cm, physically measured
High School / O-Level minimum, any curriculum
Open to all nationalities and genders
ICAO Level 4+ aviation English benchmark
UAE GCAA Class-1 fitness required
No fixed combination; Maths and Physics help
No prior flying experience required
After eligibility and application documents are approved, an entry assessment fee of AED 10,000 (inclusive of VAT and non-refundable) becomes payable to begin the assessments.
Coloured copies should be submitted by email with the subject line “MPL Application Documents – [full name as per passport]” before assessment dates are confirmed.
Passport data page(s)
High School Certificate and transcript
Highest degree/certificate attained and transcript
Curriculum Vitae covering education and extra-curricular activities
Passport-size photo without eyeglasses
Sponsor/legal guardian passport and visa copy
Emirates ID copy, if applicable
UAE visa copy, if applicable
Birth certificate
The supplied guide lists five assessment components, followed by three main stages.
| # | Assessment Component | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Academic Subjects | Progressive Math · Progressive Physics · English |
| 2 | Flight Skill Test | FAST multi-tasking · Cognitive Reasoning · Flight Test · Coordination |
| 3 | Personality Questionnaire | Untimed, forced-choice personality profiling |
| 4 | ELFT — English Language for Flight Training | One-on-one verbal English assessment |
| 5 | Panel Interview | In-person interview with technical presentation |
Scheduled after all assessment subjects are cleared. It evaluates communication, listening, reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and general English knowledge.
Each applicant may take two optional practice sessions before the real assessment. A full session costs AED 1,500; an individual subject costs AED 500. The full session covers all assessment subjects except the Personality Questionnaire.
The Academy asks candidates to contact it once fully prepared, preferably one week in advance, to improve slot availability.
Candidates should understand every topic. Two topics of the candidate's choice are discussed during the interview, with a minimum of 10 minutes allocated to each. Reading directly from notes is not allowed, although visual aids are permitted.
The four forces of flight: lift, weight, thrust and drag
Angle of attack and stall
Aircraft control surfaces
Basic cockpit layout and instruments
The “Six Pack” primary flight instruments
The importance of weather in flight
GPS and its role in navigation
Powerplant types — basic engine overview
The importance of situational awareness
Phases of flight: taxi, take-off, climb, cruise, descent, approach and landing
Teamwork, leadership, communication, self-confidence, motivation, general aviation knowledge, adaptability and decision-making.
Preparation should build genuine speaking, decision-making and interview performance, supported by focused mock-panel practice around the exact two-topic format.
Figures are reproduced from the supplied Air Arabia Academy MPL Cadet Pilot Programme Course Fee sheet, Rev. 04-2026.
| Milestone | Amount (Exclusive of VAT) |
|---|---|
| Course start deposit (non-refundable) | AED 70,000 |
| 3 months prior to training commencement | AED 150,000 |
| 6 months from course start date | AED 200,000 |
| 12 months from course start date | AED 200,000 |
| 15 months from course start date | AED 75,000 |
| Total instalment-plan fee | AED 695,000 |
UAE local aviation clearance application, UAE GCAA Class-1 medical assessment booking, one entry-assessment attempt and one panel-interview attempt.
Important: the supplied guide does not state a separate numeric registration-fee amount. Confirm it directly with Air Arabia Academy before payment.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Entry assessment fee | AED 10,000, inclusive of VAT, non-refundable |
| Full practice session (optional) | AED 1,500 |
| Individual subject practice (optional) | AED 500 per subject |
| Full re-assessment after failure in more than 3 subjects | AED 2,500 |
| Individual subject retake beyond free retakes | AED 500 per subject |
| Panel interview — second attempt | AED 1,500 |
Payments are made by online bank transfer or direct deposit, followed by email submission of proof of payment. The supplied guide uses approximately 1 AED ≈ ₹25.34 and states that the AED 695,000 instalment-plan fee is roughly ₹1.76 crore before VAT, registration, food and accommodation. Exchange rates and Academy prices can change between batches.
Status reproduced from the supplied guide, current as of July 2026. Availability should be reconfirmed before application or payment.
The supplied guide states that Air Arabia Academy is taking enquiries for 2027 intakes and recommends starting eligibility checks and document preparation early.
The Pre-Admission Form must be completed exactly as shown on the candidate's passport.
| Section | Information Requested |
|---|---|
| 1. Personal Information | Full name, date/place of birth, gender, nationality, address, passport/ID numbers and contact details |
| 2. Academic Information | Programme, previous school, academic records for the last two years, grades/scores and achievements |
| 3. Programme Details | Fees, duration and location |
| 4. Emergency Contact | Name, relationship and contact number |
| 5. Medical Information | Existing medical conditions and allergies, if any |
| 6. Additional Information | How the candidate learned about Air Arabia Academy |
| Declaration & Signatures | Cadet signature and parent/guardian signature where the cadet is under 18 |
All fees, charges and deposits are described as non-refundable, non-transferable and non-adjustable, including voluntary withdrawal, assessment failure, visa rejection or delay, personal/family/financial reasons, disciplinary expulsion and force-majeure events.
The cadet accepts responsibility for participation in training and related activities; the Academy limits liability for loss, damage, injury, illness, accident or death during training, travel, accommodation or associated activity.
Misconduct, rule violations or behaviour considered inappropriate may lead to suspension or expulsion without a fee refund.
The agreement is governed by UAE law. Personal, academic, medical and contact data may be processed and shared with relevant authorities, regulators, training partners, insurers and medical facilities where required.
Every payment stage should be treated as a final financial decision, not as a reversible deposit.
Answers below are aligned with the supplied 2026 programme guide.
An airline-sponsored, zero-experience pathway delivered in Sharjah, leading to an MPL with a validated ATPL and the opportunity to continue as a Second Officer on the A320/A321 family after meeting the required standards.
Candidates aged 17–34, 160–195 cm tall, with at least a High School/O-Level diploma in any curriculum, open to all nationalities and genders, subject to UAE GCAA Class-1 medical fitness and the required English benchmark.
AED 665,000 exclusive of VAT when paid upfront, or AED 695,000 exclusive of VAT when paid in instalments. VAT, registration, food, accommodation and additional training/examination fees are separate.
UAE local aviation clearance, Class-1 medical assessment booking, one entry-assessment attempt and one panel-interview attempt. The supplied guide does not provide a separate numeric amount for this registration fee.
Approximately 22–24 months, although timelines may extend because of exam attempts, simulator/instructor availability and batch scheduling.
No unconditional job guarantee is stated. Cadets who meet the airline's standards receive the opportunity to continue as a Second Officer; the outcome depends on performance and programme completion.
Three attempts are allowed for the Initial Assessment. Retake timing depends on the failed component and number of failed subjects.
Two attempts. The second costs AED 1,500. Failure on the second attempt requires reapplication after at least one year.
Candidates present two selected technical topics for at least 10 minutes each and are assessed on teamwork, leadership, communication, motivation, aviation knowledge, adaptability and decision-making.
No. The supplied terms describe all fees, charges and deposits as strictly non-refundable, non-transferable and non-adjustable under the listed circumstances.
No. This is an ab-initio pathway. Candidates are assessed on aptitude, English, reasoning and personal qualities rather than existing flight hours.
Yes. Training is based at Sharjah International Airport, UAE.
The supplied guide describes training as delivered by Air Arabia Academy in connection with T3 Aviation Academy, formerly Alpha Aviation Academy.
The supplied guide, current as of July 2026, lists January–June and August as sold out, with September–November showing limited availability. Reconfirm the live status before applying.
Eligibility screening, document and attestation guidance, Maths/Physics/English preparation, Flight Skill practice, ELFT coaching and mock panel interviews based on the two-topic technical-presentation format.
No. A first-time candidate may use the ab-initio cadet MPL route, while an already experienced and licensed pilot may apply directly for suitable airline vacancies when meeting the required licence, experience and type-rating criteria.
It is an MPL pathway, not a standalone CPL. The MPL is designed specifically for multi-crew airline operations on the sponsoring airline's fleet, whereas a conventional CPL is a standalone licence used to apply independently to airlines.
The alternative is conventional pilot training: DGCA medicals and ground subjects, followed by approximately 200 hours of flight training in India or abroad, then independent airline applications after earning and, where relevant, converting the licence.
Pilots Academy supports candidates and families from the first eligibility check and document preparation through assessment coaching, ELFT preparation and the final panel interview.
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