Air France has launched a new recruitment campaign for its Cadet Program, inviting aspiring pilots to apply for a training course funded entirely by the airline. Applications opened on June 15, 2026, and will remain open through July 31, 2026.
The campaign targets candidates who want to train as airline pilots, with the airline covering the full cost of the program. To help prospective applicants understand what the process involves,
Air France will host a webinar on June 23, at 18:00 organized in partnership with the French Aeronautical Federation (FFA) and the French Gliding Federation (FFVP). The session will walk candidates through the selection process and the training program itself.
For those interested in hearing firsthand accounts, several Air France pilots who came through the program have shared their experiences, including Laure-Anne, a pilot trained through the Cadet Program, along with fellow pilots Chafik Kheffafa and Audorisca Roger-Rollé.
Air France’s Cadet Program
The Air France Cadet Program is a 24-month training course delivered by partner flight schools selected by the airline. According to Air France, the program is unique among major European carriers in offering this kind of comprehensive, fully funded path into the cockpit.
Upon completing the program, cadets join either Air France or Transavia as First Officers. At Air France, they fly Airbus A220 or A320 aircraft, while at Transavia they operate Boeing 737 and A320neo aircraft.
Since the program was relaunched in 2018, more than 300 young pilots have moved into the cockpits of Air France and Transavia. The program is open to a broad range of candidates, including recent graduates, science students, and career changers. It also serves as part of the airline’s effort to strengthen diversity and increase the representation of women among its pilots. In 2025, women made up 25% of the cadets selected.
Beyond piloting, Air France noted that it offers career opportunities in other areas as well, particularly in aircraft maintenance and information technology. The airline’s open positions are listed on its recruitment website.