Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program 2026: Complete MPL Training & Selection Guide
Updated: 2 August 2026· Poetic Pilot Academy
The Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program, officially described by Air Arabia Academy as its Airline Pilot Training Programme (MPL), is an integrated training pathway designed for aspiring pilots with little to no previous flying experience. The programme takes candidates through ground school, aircraft training, Airbus A320 simulator training, base training and structured airline line training.
What makes this programme particularly interesting for aspiring airline pilots is its airline-focused structure. According to Air Arabia Academy, successful trainees progress through the programme towards accumulating 1,500 actual flying hours with Air Arabia, followed by a final job interview with the airline.
The programme is open to aspiring pilots and high-school graduates, including international applicants. Candidates must satisfy the academy's eligibility requirements and successfully complete several entry assessments covering medical fitness, academics, psychomotor ability, personality, cognitive ability and a panel interview.
In this complete guide, we explain the Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program 2026, including eligibility requirements, training phases, selection process, aptitude examination, required documents, international applicant requirements and how to apply.
What Is the Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program?
The Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program is an integrated airline pilot training pathway conducted by Air Arabia Academy. The programme is officially presented as the Airline Pilot Training Programme (MPL) and is intended for candidates who want to begin an airline pilot career without requiring substantial previous flying experience.
Instead of following the traditional route of independently completing flight training and then applying to airlines, the programme is structured around airline operations from an early stage. Candidates progress from theoretical training and basic flying into multi-crew Airbus A320 simulator operations before completing actual aircraft base training and structured line training.
According to Air Arabia Academy, the programme follows international ICAO standards and ultimately provides a pathway towards an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) after accumulating the required experience.
If you are unfamiliar with the difference between pilot licences, read our guides on CPL vs ATPL and What Is an ATPL?.
Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program Eligibility
Air Arabia Academy lists relatively straightforward initial eligibility requirements for candidates interested in its Airline Pilot Training Programme. The programme is intended for aspiring pilots and high-school graduates who are ready to begin professional airline pilot training.
| Requirement | Air Arabia MPL Requirement |
|---|---|
| Previous Flying Experience | Little to no flying experience required |
| Age | 17–35 Years |
| Minimum Height | 160 cm |
| Maximum Height | 195 cm |
| Education | High-school graduates and higher-qualified applicants can apply |
| International Applicants | Accepted, subject to programme and immigration requirements |
Age Requirement
Candidates applying for the programme must be between 17 and 35 years old. This gives both recent high-school graduates and older applicants an opportunity to apply, provided they satisfy the remaining selection and medical requirements.
Height Requirement
Air Arabia Academy specifies a height range of 160 cm to 195 cm for applicants. Candidates outside this stated range may therefore not satisfy the programme's initial profile requirements.
Educational Requirement
The programme accepts high-school graduates as well as candidates who have completed higher education. Candidates whose highest qualification is high school are required to provide transcripts covering their last three years of study as part of the application process.
Unlike the traditional Indian pilot training pathway, candidates should follow the academic requirements specifically published by Air Arabia Academy when applying for this programme.
Air Arabia MPL Training Journey
The training pathway is divided into multiple phases that gradually transition a student from classroom-based theoretical knowledge to actual airline operations. Rather than treating flight training and airline training as completely separate stages, the programme progressively introduces candidates to multi-crew Airbus A320 operations.
| Phase | Training | Approximate Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Ground School – 14 GCAA ATPL Subjects | Approximately 9 Months |
| Phase 2 | Core Flying – Single-Engine Aircraft Training | Approximately 3 Months |
| Phase 3–5 | Simulator Training & Multi-Crew A320 Operations | Approximately 6–9 Months |
| Phase 6 | Airbus A320 Base Training | 6 Take-offs and Landings |
| Phase 7 | Structured Air Arabia Line Training | Approximately 2 Years |
Phase 1: Ground School
The first stage consists of approximately nine months of ground school. During this phase, cadets study the 14 GCAA ATPL subjects required to build the theoretical knowledge expected of professional airline pilots.
Ground school provides the technical foundation required before candidates progress into practical aircraft and simulator training.
Phase 2: Core Flying
After completing the theoretical phase, cadets progress to approximately three months of single-engine aircraft training. This stage introduces students to practical aircraft handling and develops the fundamental flying skills required before progressing into more advanced multi-crew operations.
Phase 3–5: A320 Simulator Training
The next stages involve approximately six to nine months of simulator training, during which candidates transition towards multi-crew airline operations using Airbus A320 simulators.
This phase is particularly important because airline operations require pilots to work effectively as part of a multi-pilot crew rather than operating solely as individual pilots. Candidates develop aircraft systems knowledge, cockpit procedures, crew coordination and operational decision-making within an airline environment.
Phase 6: Airbus A320 Base Training
After successfully completing the required simulator phases, cadets progress to actual aircraft base training on an Airbus A320.
Air Arabia Academy states that this phase consists of six landings and take-offs in a real Airbus A320, allowing cadets to transfer the skills developed in the simulator to the actual aircraft.
Phase 7: Line Training with Air Arabia
The final and longest stage is structured airline line training. Air Arabia Academy states that this phase takes approximately two years and is designed to allow cadets to accumulate 1,500 actual flying hours with Air Arabia.
After reaching this stage of the programme and completing the required flying experience, candidates proceed towards the programme's final job interview with Air Arabia.
Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Selection Process
Applicants to the Air Arabia Airline Pilot Training Programme must successfully complete a series of entry assessments before being accepted into the programme. These assessments are designed to evaluate a candidate's medical fitness, academic knowledge, cognitive abilities, psychomotor skills, personality, and overall suitability for professional airline pilot training.
According to Air Arabia Academy, the entry assessment process includes:
- Local Aviation Clearance Application
- Medical Fitness Test
- Pilot Aptitude Exam
- Academic Test
- Panel Interview
Candidates should be prepared for both academic and aptitude-based assessments. Unlike a conventional school or university entrance examination, pilot selection also evaluates skills such as coordination, information processing, cognitive ability, personality characteristics, and performance under demanding situations.
Stage 1: Local Aviation Clearance Application
The selection process includes a Local Aviation Clearance Application. This forms part of the entry requirements listed by Air Arabia Academy and must be successfully completed as part of the candidate's progression through the assessment process.
International candidates should pay particular attention to documentation requirements because foreign documents may require translation and attestation before they are accepted by the academy.
Stage 2: Medical Fitness Test
Candidates must undergo a Medical Fitness Test as part of the entry assessment process. Medical fitness is essential in professional aviation because pilots must satisfy prescribed health standards before they can exercise the privileges associated with professional flight crew licences.
Applicants should therefore consider their aviation medical eligibility before making major financial commitments towards pilot training.
Stage 3: Pilot Aptitude Exam
The Pilot Aptitude Exam is one of the most important stages of the Air Arabia selection process. It is designed to assess whether a candidate possesses the underlying abilities and characteristics required for professional pilot training.
Air Arabia Academy lists three components under the Pilot Aptitude Exam:
- Academic Test
- Psychomotor Skill Test
- Personality Test
Psychomotor Skill Test
The Psychomotor Skill Test forms part of the Pilot Aptitude Exam. Psychomotor assessments are used during pilot selection to evaluate how effectively candidates can process information while performing coordinated physical tasks.
Air Arabia Academy does not provide detailed public information on the exact tasks, scoring system, or test interface on the programme information provided. Candidates should therefore avoid relying on unofficial claims about the exact questions or exercises that will appear during the assessment.
Personality Test
A Personality Test is also included in the Pilot Aptitude Exam. The academy lists this as a separate component of the selection process alongside the academic and psychomotor assessments.
Rather than trying to memorise specific responses, candidates should answer personality assessments consistently and honestly. The exact personality assessment format and scoring criteria are not specified in the programme information published by Air Arabia Academy.
Air Arabia Academic Test
Academic ability is another major component of the selection process. Air Arabia Academy specifically lists Mathematics, Physics, English, Cognitive Foundation, and the Future Aptitude Selection Tool (FAST) as components of its academic assessment.
| Assessment Area | What Air Arabia Academy Lists |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Academic Test Component |
| Physics | Academic Test Component |
| English | Academic Test Component |
| Cognitive Foundation | Cognitive Assessment Component |
| FAST | Future Aptitude Selection Tool |
Mathematics
Mathematics is specifically included in the Air Arabia academic assessment. Candidates should therefore ensure that their fundamental mathematical knowledge is strong before attending the selection process.
The programme information does not publish a detailed Mathematics syllabus, number of questions, examination duration, or minimum passing score. Applicants should therefore prepare their mathematical fundamentals rather than depending on an unofficial question bank.
Physics
Physics is another subject specifically listed under the academic assessment. A strong understanding of basic Physics is important throughout pilot training because concepts involving motion, forces, pressure, energy, mechanics, and other physical principles eventually form part of aviation theory.
As with Mathematics, Air Arabia Academy does not provide a detailed public Physics syllabus or question distribution in the programme information provided.
English
English is included as a separate component of the academic assessment. Strong English communication and comprehension skills are particularly important in aviation because professional flight training, aircraft documentation, operational procedures, and international aviation communication are extensively conducted in English.
Cognitive Foundation
The academic assessment also includes a Cognitive Foundation component. Air Arabia Academy lists this assessment separately from Mathematics, Physics, and English.
The academy does not specify the exact question types or scoring methodology for this component in the published programme information. Candidates should therefore be cautious about websites or preparation providers claiming to have the exact assessment unless such information is officially confirmed.
Future Aptitude Selection Tool (FAST)
Air Arabia Academy also lists the Future Aptitude Selection Tool (FAST) as part of the academic assessment process.
The programme page does not provide further details about the exact FAST modules, question format, duration, scoring system, or qualifying score. Candidates should use the academy's latest instructions and assessment communication as the primary source when preparing for this stage.
Air Arabia Panel Interview
Candidates who progress through the required assessments must also attend a Panel Interview. This is the final assessment type specifically listed by Air Arabia Academy as part of the programme's entry assessments.
The academy does not publish a fixed list of interview questions on the programme information provided. Candidates should therefore prepare to discuss their motivation for becoming a pilot, understanding of the training programme, educational background, communication skills, personal experiences, and suitability for an airline career rather than memorising scripted answers.
Documents Required for Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program
Candidates must submit coloured copies of the required documents by email during the application process. The same documents must subsequently be presented as printed copies on the day of the assessment.
Air Arabia Academy lists the following application documents:
- Coloured copy of passport.
- Emirates ID, if applicable.
- UAE visa copy, if applicable.
- Sponsor's documents if the applicant is below 21 years old.
- Coloured copy of birth certificate.
- Passport-size photograph without eyeglasses.
- Coloured copy of academic certificate and transcripts.
- High School Certificate and transcript from any curriculum, where applicable.
- Highest degree or certificate attained and corresponding transcript, where applicable.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Candidates whose highest educational qualification is high school must also submit transcripts covering their last three years of study.
Document Attestation and Translation
Air Arabia Academy requires official certificates, including the birth certificate, academic diploma or certificate, and academic transcripts, to be attested by the relevant local issuing authorities before submission.
Foreign documents must also be translated into English before attestation. International applicants should complete these formalities well before travelling to the UAE for their assessments to avoid delays in the admission process.
Passport-Size Photographs
Candidates are required to bring six passport-size photographs with a white background on the day of the assessment. The photographs must be taken without eyeglasses and are required as hard copies for official use.
How Poetic Pilot Academy Can Help You Prepare
The Air Arabia selection process evaluates much more than academic knowledge. Candidates may need to perform well across aptitude assessments, psychomotor testing, cognitive assessments, FAST, personality testing, and the panel interview. Preparing separately for each stage can help candidates understand what is being assessed and approach the selection process with greater confidence.
At Poetic Pilot Academy, we help aspiring pilots prepare for the different stages of airline and cadet pilot selection. For candidates applying to the Air Arabia Airline Pilot Training Programme, preparation can be structured around the assessment areas officially listed by Air Arabia Academy.
Mathematics & Physics Preparation
Mathematics and Physics are specifically listed as components of the Air Arabia academic assessment. Candidates can prepare through concept revision, practice questions, timed exercises, and mock assessments designed to strengthen their speed and accuracy.
Preparation can focus on identifying weak areas early so that candidates have sufficient time to improve their fundamental academic knowledge before attending the actual assessment.
English Preparation
English is another component of the Air Arabia academic assessment. Preparation can include comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, verbal reasoning, and communication exercises relevant to airline selection.
Strong communication also becomes important later during the panel interview, making English preparation useful across multiple stages of the selection process.
Pilot Aptitude Assessment Preparation
Pilot aptitude assessments are designed to evaluate abilities relevant to flight training rather than aviation knowledge alone. PPA can help candidates become familiar with the types of skills commonly evaluated during pilot aptitude testing and practise them under timed conditions.
Preparation may include exercises involving:
- Attention and concentration.
- Multitasking ability.
- Information processing.
- Reaction and response management.
- Spatial awareness.
- Logical and cognitive reasoning.
- Memory and information retention.
- Task prioritisation.
Psychomotor Assessment Preparation
Air Arabia Academy specifically lists a Psychomotor Skill Test as part of its Pilot Aptitude Exam. These assessments can require candidates to process information while simultaneously performing coordinated tasks.
PPA preparation can help candidates practise coordination, divided attention, reaction management, tracking, and multitasking exercises so they become more comfortable performing multiple tasks under time pressure.
Cognitive Assessment Preparation
The Air Arabia assessment information also lists Cognitive Foundation. Candidates can prepare for cognitive-style assessments through structured practice involving reasoning, memory, concentration, pattern recognition, information processing, and problem-solving.
Timed practice is particularly useful because knowing how to solve a problem is different from solving it accurately while working under assessment pressure.
FAST Preparation
Air Arabia Academy lists the Future Aptitude Selection Tool (FAST) as one of its assessment components. While the academy does not publicly provide the exact test modules, question bank, scoring criteria, or detailed test format on the programme information provided, candidates can still prepare the underlying cognitive and aptitude skills relevant to pilot selection.
At PPA, FAST preparation can focus on aptitude practice, cognitive performance, attention management, multitasking, reasoning, speed and accuracy, and mock assessment conditions.
Personality Assessment Guidance
Air Arabia also lists a Personality Test as part of the Pilot Aptitude Exam. Unlike Mathematics or Physics, a personality assessment is not something candidates should attempt to memorise answers for.
Our guidance focuses on helping candidates understand the purpose of personality assessments, avoid common mistakes such as trying to manipulate every response, and approach the assessment consistently and professionally.
Air Arabia Panel Interview Preparation
The panel interview is another important stage of the Air Arabia selection process. PPA can help candidates prepare through structured interview sessions and mock interviews designed around airline pilot selection.
Interview preparation can include:
- Why do you want to become a pilot?
- Why have you chosen Air Arabia?
- Why are you applying for the MPL programme?
- Understanding Air Arabia and its operations.
- Personal introduction and educational background.
- Strengths, weaknesses, and personal development.
- Leadership and teamwork situations.
- Decision-making and situational questions.
- Communication and confidence.
- Professional behaviour during a panel interview.
Mock interviews can also help candidates identify weak answers, improve the structure of their responses, and learn how to communicate naturally rather than memorising scripted answers.
Complete Air Arabia Selection Preparation
Instead of preparing only for the interview, candidates can prepare for the selection process stage by stage. This allows academic weaknesses, aptitude performance, assessment technique, and interview communication to be addressed before the actual selection.
| Air Arabia Selection Stage | PPA Preparation Support |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Concept Revision, Practice & Mock Tests |
| Physics | Concept Revision, Practice & Mock Tests |
| English | English, Comprehension & Communication Practice |
| Cognitive Foundation | Cognitive & Reasoning Practice |
| FAST | Aptitude, Cognitive & Timed Practice |
| Psychomotor Skill Test | Coordination, Multitasking & Reaction Practice |
| Personality Test | Assessment Guidance & Approach |
| Panel Interview | Interview Preparation & Mock Interviews |
How to Apply for the Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program
Candidates interested in the programme must prepare the required documents and submit coloured copies by email to Air Arabia Academy. According to the academys application instructions, the email subject should follow the format:
Applications and the required documents should be sent to Customer_Care@airarabia.academy. Candidates should ensure that their name and personal information match their passport and official documents.
The same documents submitted electronically must also be presented as printed copies when attending the assessment.
Candidates should always verify the latest application instructions directly through the official Air Arabia Academy website before submitting documents, as admission requirements, assessments, and procedures may change.
Requirements for International Applicants
International candidates can apply for the Air Arabia Airline Pilot Training Programme, but they are responsible for arranging their own travel, visa, and accommodation when travelling to the UAE for the entry assessments.
Air Arabia Academy advises international candidates travelling to the UAE for the assessments to obtain a tourist or visit visa with at least one month of validity, allowing sufficient time to complete the assessment stages and subsequent registration if selected.
After registration, the academy states that it can assist students with obtaining a student resident visa.
Does Air Arabia Guarantee a Job After Training?
This is an important point candidates should understand before applying. Air Arabia Academy describes Phase 7 as approximately two years of structured line training to reach 1,500 actual flying hours with Air Arabia, followed by a final job interview with Air Arabia.
Therefore, candidates should not interpret admission to the training programme as an unconditional guarantee of permanent employment. The academys published pathway specifically mentions a final job interview after the line-training stage.
Air Arabia MPL vs Traditional CPL Route
Aspiring airline pilots often wonder whether they should choose an airline-focused MPL programme such as the Air Arabia pathway or complete a traditional Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) independently.
The two routes are structured differently. A traditional CPL provides a broader commercial pilot licence pathway, after which candidates normally complete additional training and apply independently to airlines. The Air Arabia MPL programme, on the other hand, is structured around airline and multi-crew operations from an early stage and progresses into Airbus A320 training and structured line flying.
| Feature | Air Arabia MPL Programme | Traditional CPL Route |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Experience | Designed for little to no flying experience | Designed for ab-initio pilot training |
| Training Structure | Integrated airline-focused pathway | Independent commercial pilot training pathway |
| Ground Training | 14 GCAA ATPL Subjects | Depends on licensing authority and training route |
| Multi-Crew Training | Integrated into the programme | Usually completed later as required |
| A320 Simulator Training | Integrated into programme phases | Normally associated with later type-rating or airline training |
| A320 Base Training | 6 Take-offs and Landings | Depends on subsequent airline/type-rating pathway |
| Airline Line Training | Structured line training with Air Arabia | Normally begins after securing an airline opportunity |
| Final Employment Stage | Final job interview with Air Arabia after the stated line-training pathway | Candidate independently applies to airlines |
Neither pathway should automatically be considered better for every student. The right choice depends on factors such as training cost, financing, career flexibility, licensing goals, preferred airline pathway, and the contractual terms offered at the time of enrolment.
If you are comparing different pilot licensing routes, read our detailed guide on CPL vs ATPL.
Is the Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program Suitable for Indian Students?
Indian students who meet Air Arabia Academys published requirements can consider applying as international candidates. However, they should carefully understand that this is a UAE-based training pathway and not the same as completing a DGCA CPL training programme in India.
International applicants are responsible for their own travel, visa, and accommodation arrangements when travelling to the UAE for the entry assessments. Foreign academic and official documents must also satisfy the academys translation and attestation requirements.
Indian applicants should therefore evaluate the complete programme structure, licensing pathway, training agreement, financial commitment, and their long-term career plans before enrolling.
Students still comparing their training options can also read our guides on Pilot Training in India and CPL Cost in India.
Should You Apply for the Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program?
The Air Arabia Airline Pilot Training Programme can be an attractive option for candidates looking for a structured pathway that introduces airline-oriented training from an early stage. The progression from ground school to single-engine flying, A320 simulator training, base training and structured line training provides a clearly defined training journey.
However, candidates should evaluate the programme carefully before making a decision. Pilot training represents a major financial and career commitment, and the programme should be assessed based on the latest official terms rather than simply the Air Arabia brand name.
Before applying or making any payment, candidates should understand:
- The complete programme fee and what is included.
- Any additional expenses outside the published training fee.
- Payment schedules and financing arrangements.
- Refund and withdrawal conditions.
- Training duration and possible delays.
- Assessment and progression requirements during training.
- Licensing conditions after completing the programme.
- Visa and accommodation expenses for international students.
- Conditions associated with structured line training.
- The final Air Arabia employment process.
Final Thoughts
The Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program, officially offered as the Airline Pilot Training Programme (MPL), provides aspiring pilots with an integrated pathway from initial theoretical training through to airline-oriented Airbus A320 operations.
The programme begins with approximately nine months of ground school covering 14 GCAA ATPL subjects, followed by single-engine flying, several stages of A320 simulator training, six take-offs and landings during A320 base training, and approximately two years of structured line training designed to reach 1,500 actual flying hours with Air Arabia.
Getting into the programme requires candidates to successfully navigate several assessments. These include medical fitness, academic testing, psychomotor and personality assessments, cognitive testing, FAST and a panel interview. Candidates should therefore prepare for the complete selection process rather than concentrating only on Mathematics and Physics.
At Poetic Pilot Academy, candidates can prepare for the different stages of the Air Arabia selection process, including academic assessments, pilot aptitude preparation, psychomotor practice, cognitive and FAST preparation, personality assessment guidance, and mock panel interviews.
If you are comparing airline training opportunities, you may also want to explore our guides on How to Become a Pilot, CPL vs ATPL, What Is an ATPL?, and CPL Cost in India.