BALPA respond to Chancellor’s Speech today – “Make pilot training affordable”

28 September 2026 for immediate use

The British Airlines Pilots’ Association – BALPA – has issued a challenge to Chancellor John Healey, following his speech today at Labour Party Conference: “Make pilot training affordable.”

BALPA Acting General Secretary Zohra Francis said, “We welcome John Healey’s “Jobs jobs jobs” priority. He is right to highlight the importance of good jobs – and there is no better job than to be a pilot. But too many young people, from different walks of life, who have the skills and attributes that would make them an excellent pilot, are shut out by a six-figure paywall, without any government support.

“Today Chancellor John Healey promised investment in Britain’s future. The truth is that aviation promises economic growth across the country, improving regional connectivity and putting good quality jobs in every region. But to benefit from that investment we need to ensure a good pipeline of new pilots, ready to take up the new jobs as they come online.

“Britain needs new pilots. The Government needs to make choices to make their training more affordable.”

ENDS

BALPA (British Airline Pilots’ Association) is the union and professional association for pilots in the UK, representing over 10,000 members