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The Voice of UK Pilots: Safety, Strength, Unity.

BALPA is the voice of pilots across the UK, providing you support, guidance and a community

More than 85% of UK Pilots On Board.

We’re here to help & advise at every stage of your career Discover our memberships

Improving Industry Standards.

From Brexit’s impact on aviation, to flight safety and sustainability, we campaign on behalf of all UK pilots Explore our campaigns

BECOMING A PILOT THE INSIDE TRACK

BALPA stands as the primary representation for UK pilots. Explore our comprehensive and dedicated guide on the path to becoming a pilot. Find out more about becoming a pilot
About BALPA

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) is the professional association and registered trade union established to represent the interests of all UK pilots.

We represent over 10,000 pilots and are recognised in 20 different companies; that’s over 85% of all commercial pilots flying in the UK. The association holds the largest collective resource of commercial pilot qualification and experience in the UK.

85%
Of Commercial uk pilots are balpa Members
20
Recognised in 20 companies
50 million +
Our members have flown more than 50 million hours
Learn more about us
What we do

As the voice of pilots, BALPA actively campaigns to achieve and maintain the best possible working conditions and safety standards for all UK pilots.

We are run by pilots for pilots and have expert staff and resources on hand to provide legal advice and representation, industrial support, to scrutinise and highlight flight safety, provide advice on employment issues and offer personal support.

By joining BALPA you’re joining the UK’s biggest and most active community of fellow pilots, that uses its well established links to ensure your voice is heard by MPs, airlines and regulators.

Our Campaigns

Why Join as a Member?

  • Legal representation
  • Industrial support: have a say on pay and benefits
  • Career management advice and bespoke resources
  • Access to BALPA website, portal and apps
  • Access to BALPA publications including newsletters and The Log magazine

Latest News & Views.

News

Culture Commission Announcement

05 Nov 2024

We are pleased to announce that BALPA’s General Secretary and NEC have launched a commission to review our working culture, to be carried out by leading organisational consultant, Laura Harrison. BALPA’s General Secretary Amy Leversidge said: “As the professional body for airline pilots, BALPA must be a modern, credible, authoritative voice for the benefit of […]

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Commentary

Budget 2024: The BALPA perspective

30 Oct 2024

Following the long-awaited reveal of the new Government’s first budget, BALPA General Secretary Amy Leversidge said: “We welcome the further strengthening of employment rights, particularly protections against unfair dismissal. Increasing job security will provide stability and increase economic growth. The £1bn funding for aerospace is also a positive commitment to the sector and to UK […]

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News

BALPA welcomes the Creating of a UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS)

22 Oct 2024

BALPA welcomes the joint DfT-CAA consultation announced today on a new UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS). BALPA General Secretary Amy Leversidge: “With the proposed initial focus on the complex airspace around London and the southeast, such a service will be essential to enable the plans of the Airspace Modernisation Strategy to be translated into reality […]

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News

BALPA welcomes investment in airport expansion

14 Oct 2024

Responding to news of investment in to expansion at Stansted Airport, BALPA General Secretary, Amy Leversidge said: “BALPA welcomes today’s announcement of 1.1billion pounds of investment for expansion at Stansted Airport. Airport capacity around the whole UK needs improving as part of our vital infrastructure to allow the aviation industry to thrive, provide a platform […]

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Commentary

World Mental Health Day: Prioritizing Pilot Mental Health and Reducing Stigma

10 Oct 2024

As the aviation industry grows more complex and demanding, the well-being of those at the heart of it—including pilots—must take centre stage. This World Mental Health Day, we at the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) want to shine a light on an important message: no one is immune to mental health issues. Whether you’re a […]

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News

Bristow pilots and technical crew accept pay deal

14 Aug 2024

The British Airline Pilots’ Association is pleased to announce that members at Bristow Helicopters have overwhelmingly accepted a multi- year pay deal and agreement on terms and conditions of employment. It follows over a year of negotiations and extensive industrial action that showed the strength of feeling and solidarity amongst the oil and gas and […]

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News

BALPA welcomes Government’s ambition to make aviation more accessible

30 Jul 2024

Responding to the Government’s Reach for the Sky program, designed to encourage young people into an aviation career, BALPA’s General Secretary Amy Leversidge said: “BALPA welcomes the new Government’s ambition to enable young people to pursue aviation careers that would otherwise not be open them. Crucially, Government recognises the financial constraints for aspiring pilots. The […]

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News

BALPA Welcomes the end to ‘Fire and Re-hire’

17 Jul 2024

BALPA welcomes the decisive action to end the unfair practice of fire and re-hire within the first 100 days of the new government in today’s #KingsSpeech. We’ve long advocated for this ban, standing firm in our commitment to protect workers’ rights. Over 2 years on from the P&O scandal, BALPA joined Nautilus International, the Trades […]

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Thinking About Becoming a Pilot?

Read the comprehensive guide on what it takes to become a pilot, and the main obstacles to consider.