Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program 2026: Zero Flying Hours to the A320 Flight Deck
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.
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2026 intake status (guide current as of July 2026)
January–June and August 2026 intakes are listed as sold out; September, October and November show limited availability. Air Arabia Academy is also taking enquiries for 2027 intakes. Reconfirm the live status before applying or paying. See the full intake calendar.
What Is the Air Arabia Cadet Pilot (MPL) Program?
In short: the Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program is an airline-sponsored, zero-experience-to-cockpit pathway delivered by Air Arabia Academy with T3 Aviation Academy (formerly Alpha Aviation Academy) at Sharjah International Airport. It leads to a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) with a validated ATPL, and cadets who meet Air Arabia’s standards get the opportunity to continue as a Second Officer on the Airbus A320/A321 family. The 2026 fee is AED 665,000 + VAT upfront (about ₹1.76 crore on the instalment plan).
| Airline | Air Arabia |
| Delivered by | Air Arabia Academy, in partnership with T3 Aviation Academy (formerly Alpha Aviation Academy) |
| Training base | Sharjah International Airport, UAE |
| Licence | Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) with validated ATPL |
| Duration | Approximately 22–24 months (can extend with exam attempts, simulator/instructor availability and batch scheduling) |
| Outcome | Opportunity to continue as Second Officer on the Airbus A320/A321 family, progressing toward First Officer |
| 2026 fee | AED 665,000 + VAT upfront, or AED 695,000 + VAT in instalments |
| Entry assessment fee | AED 10,000 (incl. VAT, non-refundable) |
MPL, not a standalone CPL
Candidates progress through ground school, simulator training and flight training toward an MPL with a validated ATPL. The syllabus is built for multi-crew airline operations from the beginning.
Second Officer to First Officer
Cadets who meet Air Arabia’s standards on completion receive the opportunity to continue with the airline as a Second Officer on the A320/A321 family and progress toward First Officer.
Track-record source stated in the guide: Air Arabia Academy official Airline Pilot Training Programme (MPL) brochure, 2025 edition. Line training is built around 1,500 hours toward the validated ATPL.
Air Arabia Cadet MPL vs Conventional CPL: Two Pathways
Air Arabia’s Cadet Pilot Program 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 Program (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 program 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 program and airline standards. | No guaranteed airline seat; the pilot applies when vacancies open. |
How the Air Arabia Cadet Program Is Structured
The cadet-to-pilot journey progresses through seven specialised phases.
- 1
Ground School
UAE GCAA approved. Theoretical knowledge classes covering all 14 ATPL subjects.
- 2
Flying Phase
Single-engine. Core flying training on single-engine aircraft.
- 3
Basic Phase
Fixed-base simulator. Transition from single-pilot flying to Multi-Crew Cooperation in the Academy’s A320 fixed-base simulator.
- 4
Intermediate Phase
Level D simulator. Consolidation of multi-crew operations in Airbus A320 Level D simulators.
- 5
Advanced Phase
Type rating. Final training phase leading to the regulatory A320 Type Rating.
- 6
Base Training
With airline instructors. Multiple take-offs and landings on the Airbus A320.
- 7
Line Training
1,500 hours. Building the required flying hours on the Airbus A320, culminating in the validated ATPL.
What happens after line training
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.
Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program Eligibility
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.
All nationalities and genders
Open to all.
ICAO Level 4+
Aviation English benchmark.
UAE GCAA Class-1
Fitness required.
No fixed combination
Maths and Physics help.
None required
No prior flying experience needed.
Assessment fee
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.
See our Class 1 medical requirements guide.
Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program Application Documents
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
Submission notes
- Where high school is the highest qualification, transcripts for the last three years of study are required.
- Bring six passport-size photos as hard copies on assessment day: white background, no eyeglasses, dark clothing, neat hair, ears and shoulders visible.
- Official certificates must be attested by the relevant local issuing authorities.
- Foreign-language documents must be translated into English before attestation.
International candidates
- Candidates arrange their own travel, visa and accommodation for the on-site assessment visit.
- After registration, the Academy can assist with arranging a student residence visa.
- For the assessment trip, the guide recommends a tourist/visit visa with at least one month of validity.
Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Selection Process
The 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 |
- 1
Stage 1: Initial Assessment (three attempts)
Academic-subject retake after a minimum of two weeks and up to three months, depending on result. Psychomotor/Flight Skill retake after a minimum of one day and up to one month. Failure in more than three subjects: full re-assessment after at least three months, costing AED 2,500. Failure in up to three subjects on the first attempt: two subjects may be retaken free; other individual retakes cost AED 500 per subject. Calculators are not permitted during the test.
- 2
Stage 2: Verbal English Test (ELFT)
One-on-one. Scheduled after all assessment subjects are cleared. It evaluates communication, listening, reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and general English knowledge.
- 3
Stage 3: Panel Interview (two attempts)
The second interview attempt costs AED 1,500; its timing is decided by the panel. Failure on the second attempt requires reapplication after at least one year. Prepare two technical topics from the official list and present each for at least 10 minutes. Personality-related criteria are assessed throughout the interview.
Optional practice sessions
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.
Booking note
The Academy asks candidates to contact it once fully prepared, preferably one week in advance, to improve slot availability.
Air Arabia Panel Interview: Technical Presentation Topics
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
Also assessed: teamwork, leadership, communication, self-confidence, motivation, general aviation knowledge, adaptability and decision-making.
Pilots Academy note
Preparation should build genuine speaking, decision-making and interview performance, supported by focused mock-panel practice around the exact two-topic format.
Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program Fees 2026 (AED & INR) and Payment Plan
In short: the 2026 program fee is AED 665,000 + VAT paid upfront, or AED 695,000 + VAT in instalments (roughly ₹1.76 crore before VAT, registration, food and accommodation), plus a non-refundable entry assessment fee of AED 10,000. Exchange rates change, so check the live rate before paying.
Figures are reproduced from the Air Arabia Academy MPL Cadet Pilot Programme Course Fee sheet, Rev. 04-2026.
AED 665,000
Exclusive of VAT
AED 695,000
Paid in instalments. Exclusive of VAT.
Instalment breakdown
| 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 |
Not included in the program fee
- VAT
- Registration fee
- Food allowance
- Accommodation
- Additional training or examination costs, where required
Registration fee coverage
UAE local aviation clearance application, UAE GCAA Class-1 medical assessment booking, one entry-assessment attempt and one panel-interview attempt.
Important: the guide does not state a separate numeric registration-fee amount. Confirm it directly with Air Arabia Academy before payment.
Other confirmed costs
| 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 |
Payment procedure and indicative INR conversion
Payments are made by online bank transfer or direct deposit, followed by email submission of proof of payment. The 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.
Air Arabia Cadet Program 2026 Intake Availability
Status reproduced from the guide, current as of July 2026. Availability should be reconfirmed before application or payment.
January
Sold outFebruary
Sold outMarch
Sold outApril
Sold outMay
Sold outJune
Sold outAugust
Sold outSeptember
LimitedOctober
LimitedNovember
Limited2027 intakes
The guide states that Air Arabia Academy is taking enquiries for 2027 intakes and recommends starting eligibility checks and document preparation early.
Air Arabia Pre-Admission Form and Terms
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 | Program, previous school, academic records for the last two years, grades/scores and achievements |
| 3. Program 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 |
Key terms every family should read before paying
Strictly non-refundable
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.
Cadet responsibility
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.
Conduct and expulsion
Misconduct, rule violations or behaviour considered inappropriate may lead to suspension or expulsion without a fee refund.
Law and data processing
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.
Why this matters
Every payment stage should be treated as a final financial decision, not as a reversible deposit.
Conventional CPL: Country and Cost Comparison
The figures below show approximate self-funded conventional training costs from the 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 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.
How Pilots Academy Supports Air Arabia Candidates
Pilots Academy supports candidates and families from the first eligibility check and document preparation through assessment coaching, ELFT preparation and the final panel interview.
Eligibility & Documents
Eligibility screening, plus document and attestation guidance.
Assessment Prep
Maths, Physics and English preparation, and Flight Skill practice.
ELFT Coaching
Preparation for the one-on-one verbal English test.
Mock Panel Interviews
Practice around the exact two-topic technical-presentation format.
Need a Gulf salary benchmark? See Gulf and international pilot salary.
Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program FAQs
What is the Air Arabia cadet pilot program fee in Indian rupees?
How much does the programme cost in 2026?
What does the registration fee cover?
How long does the programme take?
Are fees refundable if the candidate cannot continue?
Are 2026 intakes still available?
Who is eligible to apply?
How many entry-assessment attempts are allowed?
How many panel-interview attempts are allowed?
What happens in the panel interview?
Is prior flying experience required?
What is the Air Arabia second officer program?
What is the Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Programme?
Is a job with Air Arabia guaranteed after training?
Will the candidate need to relocate to Sharjah?
Who operates the training?
How does Pilots Academy support candidates?
Is the cadet programme the only way to become a pilot with Air Arabia?
Is this programme a CPL or an MPL?
What can a candidate do if not selected for the Air Arabia cadet programme?
Captain Kajal
Airline pilot · 4,000+ flight hours · Mentor at Pilots Academy
Captain Kajal is an airline pilot with 4,000+ flight hours and a mentor at Pilots Academy. That cockpit experience shapes the cadet selection, training and career guidance on this page, combined with current published airline data.
Other Airline Cadet Pilot Programs
IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program
₹85 lakh–₹1.3 crore, A320 First Officer route.
Air India · IndiaAir India Cadet Pilot Program
Selection, training and bond explained.
Akasa Air · IndiaAkasa Air Cadet Pilot Program
SkyCadet route to the Boeing 737 MAX.
Emirates · DubaiEmirates Cadet Pilot Program
EFTA route for international students.
Flydubai · UAEFlydubai Cadet Pilot Program
Ab initio MPL to Boeing 737 Second Officer.
Singapore AirlinesSingapore Airlines Cadet Pilot Program
Fully sponsored, open to all nationalities.
Also read: DGCA CPL ground classes in Gurgaon · Class 1 medical requirements · Gulf and international pilot salary
Ready to Earn Your Wings?
Book a free one-on-one counselling session with our airline pilot mentors and start your Air Arabia eligibility check and document preparation early. DLF Phase 2, Gurugram · @pilots_academy_
Disclaimer: Program details are as published by Air Arabia Academy and are subject to change. Pilots Academy is an independent training institute and is not affiliated with Air Arabia. Verify final terms, fees and intake availability directly with Air Arabia Academy.