24Hr emergency line +44 (0)20 8476 4099
Join Balpa

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

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

JUST CULTURE IN SURGERY SURVEY Click Here



Just Culture is an essential bedrock of a safety culture and, on a personal level, can be viewed as how willing and able someone is to report a safety event and how ‘safe’ they feel in doing so. 

COMPLETE THE SURVEY HERE

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

Women in Aviation Charter signed by BALPA

07 Mar 2025

To mark International Women’s Day (8 March), the British Airline Pilots’ Association has signed the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter, reaffirming its commitment to gender equality and inclusivity in the aviation industry.  The signing of the charter highlights BALPA’s dedication to supporting and advancing the careers of women in aviation. By endorsing this initiative, […]

Read more
News

Investment in green energy essential for future of aviation

05 Mar 2025

Responding to the government announcement this week on its plans to support the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), BALPA General Secretary Amy Leversidge said:  ‘Aviation is critical to the UK’s economy, and this is another welcome move that will help to secure a thriving industry for the future. Aviationalready provides thousands of jobs and […]

Read more
News

BALPA backs Gatwick expansion decision

27 Feb 2025

Commenting on the approval of the expansion of Gatwick Airport announced today, Amy Leversidge, General Secretary of the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA), said: “We welcome initiatives to expand airports to better meet existing – and prepare for future – demand for air travel. This type of investment will create many employment opportunities, on top […]

Read more
News

BALPA to highlight to MPs health and safety risks affecting pilots

26 Feb 2025

Gaps in health and safety requirements as directly applicable to aircrew onboard aircraft are putting pilots’ health and wellbeing at risk, the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) will tell Members of Parliament and Peers today (26 February), at the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health. Speaking to MPs, including those representing constituencies where […]

Read more
News

BALPA sends thoughts to those affected by the Toronto incident

18 Feb 2025

On behalf of everyone at British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) we send our thoughts to all those affected by the incident with Delta flight 4819 at Toronto airport yesterday. We would like to pay tribute to all the emergency services and those involved in the rescue operation. It is through a culture of learning from […]

Read more
News

Expansion of Heathrow terminals is welcome news, says the British Airline Pilots’ Association

12 Feb 2025

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has welcomed the announcement today of investment into the expansion of two of the terminals at Heathrow Airport. BALPA General Secretary Amy Leversidge said: “Investment in the UK’s aviation infrastructure is long overdue and is vital for the country’s economic growth. The aviation industry contributes billions of pounds to […]

Read more
News

BALPA Secures Landmark Court Victory Against Ryanair Over Illegal Blacklisting Practices  

17 Jan 2025

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has achieved a significant legal triumph in the Court of Appeal, securing a landmark judgment that not only delivers justice for Ryanair pilots but also sets a powerful precedent for the entire trade union movement. The Court’s ruling today firmly established that Ryanair’s practice of putting pilots who exercised their […]

Read more
News

BALPA sends thoughts to those affected by The Jeju Air crash

29 Dec 2024

Responding to news of the tragic Jeju Air crash, BALPA General Secretary Amy Leversidge 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 carried out without interference or unhelpful media […]

Read more

Thinking About Becoming a Pilot?

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