Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program Cost 2026 – Complete Investment Breakdown
How Much Does the Air Arabia Cadet Program Cost?
The Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program is a structured airline pathway that trains candidates from zero flying hours to airline-ready First Officers. Unlike traditional CPL routes, this pathway integrates airline SOP exposure, simulator alignment, and type rating preparation.
USD 110,000 – 140,000
₹90 Lakhs – ₹1.2 Crore (Approximate Range 2026)
This estimate includes ground school training, 200+ flying hours, multi-engine rating, simulator sessions, CPL licensing, Airbus A320 type rating, and living expenses.
Air Arabia Cadet Program – Application & Entry Requirements
Complete eligibility criteria, required documents, and selection assessments for the Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
- • All genders are welcome
- • Open to all nationalities
- • Age between 17–34 years
- • Height between 160–195 cm
- • High School / O-Level graduate (minimum requirement)
Important Application Notes
- Submit coloured copies of documents via email with subject line: Application Requirements (Full Name as per Passport).
- Original printed copies must be presented on assessment day.
- If highest qualification is high school, transcripts of the last 3 years are required.
- Six passport-size photos (white background, no eyeglasses).
- All certificates must be officially attested before submission.
- Foreign documents must be translated into English.
- International applicants handle their own travel, visa & accommodation.
- Tourist/visit visa with minimum one-month validity is advised.
Entry Assessments
- • Local Aviation Clearance Application
- • Medical Fitness Test
- • Pilot Aptitude Exam (Academic, Psychomotor, Personality)
- • Academic Test (Mathematics, Physics, English, FAST)
- • Panel Interview
Required Documents
- Coloured Passport Copy
- Emirates ID (if applicable)
- UAE Visa Copy (if applicable)
- Sponsor’s Documents (if under 21)
- Birth Certificate Copy
- Passport-size Photos
- Academic Certificates & Transcripts
- High School / Highest Degree
- Updated CV
Detailed Cost Structure – 2026 Estimate
Structured financial breakdown of major components within the Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program.
| Cost Component | USD Estimate | INR Approx |
|---|---|---|
| Ground School Training | $12,000 – $18,000 | ₹10 – ₹15 Lakhs |
| Flying Hours (Single Engine) | $35,000 – $45,000 | ₹30 – ₹38 Lakhs |
| Multi-Engine Training | $15,000 – $20,000 | ₹12 – ₹17 Lakhs |
| Simulator Training | $8,000 – $12,000 | ₹7 – ₹10 Lakhs |
| CPL Licensing & Exams | $5,000 – $8,000 | ₹4 – ₹7 Lakhs |
| Type Rating (Airbus A320) | $25,000 – $35,000 | ₹20 – ₹30 Lakhs |
| Accommodation & Living | $10,000 – $15,000 | ₹8 – ₹13 Lakhs |
Important Financial Considerations
- Exchange rate fluctuations can affect final cost
- Additional flying hours increase expense
- Verify written confirmation of type rating inclusion
- Understand refund & withdrawal clauses before signing
- Maintain 5–10% contingency reserve
Career Return on Investment (ROI)
Regional First Officer salaries typically range between ₹3–6 Lakhs per month. Financial recovery often occurs within 3–5 years depending on employment continuity and loan structure.
Your Cadet Life at the Academy – Training Beyond the Classroom
Air Arabia Academy provides a structured cadet environment designed to support professional airline pilot training. Facilities are aligned with MPL, ATPL and CPL airline training standards to ensure cadets maintain physical readiness, academic focus, and operational discipline.
Accommodation
Comfortable, fully-equipped cadet accommodation with high-speed internet ensures students undergoing airline pilot training in UAE maintain optimal study conditions.
Dining Facilities
A multi-cuisine cafeteria provides balanced nutrition essential for pilot aptitude performance and simulator endurance training.
Fitness & Gym
A fully equipped gym and squash court help cadets maintain Class 1 medical standards required for commercial pilot license programmes.
Grooming & Professional Standards
In-house grooming facilities reinforce airline discipline and professional presentation required in airline selection processes.
Virtual Classrooms & Digital Learning Infrastructure
All training classrooms are equipped with advanced audio-visual systems, wireless access, and integrated digital training tools supporting MPL theory, ATPL ground school, and airline-specific SOP training modules.
Advanced Training Devices – Airbus A320 Simulator
Air Arabia Academy offers Airbus A320 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) training aligned with airline MPL programmes. Simulator training includes abnormal procedures, CRM scenarios, multi-crew coordination, and airline operational readiness.
The training devices meet regulatory standards under GCAA and international aviation authorities, ensuring airline-grade pilot competency development.
Examination & Assessment Rooms
Dedicated examination rooms support GCAA examinations, ELP assessments, and airline aptitude tests. These facilities are designed to simulate real airline cognitive assessment environments for pilot selection readiness.
About Air Arabia Academy
Established in 2008, Air Arabia Academy is a 360° aviation training organisation delivering MPL, ATPL, CPL Airline Programme, Airbus A320 Type Rating, PPC Validation, Licence Renewal, and GCAA Examination Centre services.
With over 800 cadets and 500+ graduates flying with Air Arabia and regional carriers, the academy operates under international aviation authority approvals and maintains world-class airline pilot training standards.
Vision & Mission
Our Vision
To lead aviation training and airline pilot development services worldwide.
Our Mission
- To foster innovation and operational excellence in aviation training.
- To deliver high-quality MPL, ATPL and CPL coaching.
- To become the global reference for multi-skilled aviation professionals.