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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

BALPA response to Heathrow third runway plans

01 Aug 2025

Responding to the publication of proposals for a third runway at Heathrow, Joji Waites, Director of Flight Safety at the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA), said:  “We’re pleased to see this big step forward towards a third runaway at Heathrow, which is essential to better meet existing – and enable future – demand for air […]

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News

BALPA cautions against speculation in wake of Air India crash report 

18 Jul 2025

Following publication on 11 July 2025 of the preliminary report into the Air India flight 171 crash, BALPA is cautioning against hasty conclusions and unhelpful speculation as to the causes of the accident to prevent the spread of misinformation and undermining the ongoing investigation.  The purpose of the preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation […]

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News

BALPA response to Southend airport incident

14 Jul 2025

Responding to the news of the incident at Southend airport on Sunday, BALPA General Secretary Amy Leversidge said: “We were deeply saddened to hear about the tragic incident at Southend airport yesterday, and our thoughts are with those affected. “A full and thorough investigation must now be carried out, and we urge people to refrain […]

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News

“Huge win” for workers’ rights as Court of Appeal upholds landmark ruling

08 Jul 2025

In a major victory for workers’ rights, the Court of Appeal has today upheld a landmark ruling that a pilot, exclusively flying for Ryanair but engaged via a third party, was a worker — not a self-employed contractor. The decision sets an important precedent that could influence employment practices across aviation and other industries.  The […]

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News

Ryanair denied permission to appeal in landmark blacklisting ruling

19 Jun 2025

The Supreme Court last week rejected Ryanair’s application to appeal in a landmark blacklisting case that found the company’s actions against striking pilots unlawful.   Earlier this year, the Court of Appeal ruled that Ryanair had breached Blacklisting Regulations by removing concessionary benefits for pilots who took part in strike action to demand better terms and […]

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News

BALPA response to Air India plane crash

12 Jun 2025

Responding to news of the tragic Air India crash today, Amy Leversidge, General Secretary of the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA), said:   “Pilots around the globe are deeply saddened by this news. Members of the British Airline Pilots’ Association send condolences to all those affected.   “It is vital a full and thorough investigation is now […]

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News

Airspace modernisation plans unveiled by government

02 Jun 2025

The UK Government has announced a major step forward in airspace modernisation, with a redesign of flight paths, via the new UK Airspace Design Service. The plan is part of the Airspace Modernisation Strategy and will see UK flight paths overhauled for the first time since the 1950s. The goal is to introduce more direct […]

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

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