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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

“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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News

BALPA stands firm as Court of Appeal reviews landmark employment rights case

01 Apr 2025

The British Airline Pilots’ Association is standing firm in support of workers’ rights as the Court of Appeal  reviews a test case today (Tuesday 1 April) that could have major implications for employment practices in aviation and other industries.   The appeal, brought by Storm Global and Ryanair, challenges two previous rulings by the Employment […]

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News

BALPA responds to Heathrow Airport closure

21 Mar 2025

Responding to the closure of Heathrow Airport today following a major power failure, Joji Waites, Head of Flight Safety for the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA), said: “BALPA understands this will cause major disruption for thousands of passengers but for those concerned about aircraft still in the air, or otherwise affected by the disruption, pilots […]

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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, […]

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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.

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