Airline Pilot Training Programme (MPL)
In Partnership with Air Arabia ✈️
An airline-dedicated professional pilot licence programme with a specific airline and aircraft training syllabus. Graduate with an active MPL(A) + Validated ATPL and 1500 flying hours — ready for the cockpit of Air Arabia.
Programme Overview
What is the MPL Programme?
The Airline Pilot Training Programme (MPL) is an airline-dedicated professional pilot licence programme with a specific airline and aircraft training syllabus designed in collaboration with Air Arabia.
Our instructors focus on building the skills, knowledge, and attitude required to not only fulfill but surpass future airline pilot requirements. We provide a timely and relevant world-class training programme to ensure that each cadet achieves a qualification that is in-demand within the industry.
The programme is projected to run over a period of 22–24 months. Upon successful completion, graduates obtain an active Multi-Crew Pilot Licence — MPL(A) and a validated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) with 1500 flying hours in collaboration with partner airline, Air Arabia.
Programme at a Glance
Licence Awarded
MPL(A) + Validated ATPL
Programme Duration
22 – 24 Months
Partner Airline
Air Arabia
Flying Hours
1500 Hours
Open To
All Nationalities
Age Requirement
17 – 34 Years
MPL vs ATPL – What is the Difference?
Understand which pathway suits your aviation career goals
| Aspect | MPL Programme (Air Arabia) | Traditional ATPL Route |
|---|---|---|
| Training Model | Airline-dedicated (ab initio to airline) | Self-funded, independent training |
| Licence Awarded | MPL(A) + Validated ATPL | CPL + ATPL (separate) |
| Flying Hours | 1500 hours with partner airline | 200 hrs (CPL) + build-up independently |
| Aircraft Type | Specific to partner airline fleet | Single engine → Multi engine progression |
| Job Guarantee | With partner airline (Air Arabia) | Self-sourced after training |
| Duration | 22–24 months | 24–36 months (variable) |
| Training Focus | MCC & CRM from day one | Single pilot operations first |
Eligibility Criteria
Check if you meet the minimum requirements to apply for the Air Arabia MPL Programme
Gender
All genders are welcome to apply
Nationality
Open to all nationalities worldwide
Age
Between 17 to 34 years old at time of application
Height
Between 160 cm and 195 cm
Education
High School / O-Level Diploma graduate (minimum, any curriculum)
✅ No prior flying experience required — this is a complete ab initio (from scratch) programme open to all nationalities and genders.
Entry Assessments
Every applicant must complete the following entry assessments. Each stage must be passed to proceed to the next.
Local Aviation Clearance
Application for local aviation authority clearance as part of the entry process into the programme.
Medical Fitness Test
Comprehensive medical examination to assess physical fitness and health standards required for pilot training.
Pilot Aptitude Exam
A three-part assessment covering Academic Test, Psychomotor Skill Test, and Personality Test.
- •Academic Test
- •Psychomotor Skill Test
- •Personality Test
Academic Test
Tests core academic knowledge across five subject areas critical to pilot training.
- •Mathematics
- •Physics
- •English
- •Cognitive Foundation
- •Future Aptitude Selection Tool (FAST)
Panel Interview
Face-to-face interview with an assessment panel to evaluate motivation, communication, and suitability for an airline pilot career.
Application Process & Requirements
Follow these steps and prepare the required documents to submit your application to the Air Arabia Academy.
📋 Documents Required
Coloured Passport Copy
Valid passport — coloured scan required
Emirates ID
If applicable (UAE residents)
UAE Visa Copy
If applicable
Sponsor's Documents
Required if below 21 years old
Coloured Birth Certificate Copy
Must be attested by local issuing authority
Passport-size Photo
Without eyeglasses, white background — 6 hard copies required
Academic Certificate & Transcripts
Coloured copy — attested by local authority
High School Certificate & Transcript
Any curriculum — or highest degree/certificate attained
CV / Resume
Updated curriculum vitae
📌 Important Application Notes
- •Submit coloured copies of all documents via email to Customer_Care@airarabia.academy with subject line: Application Requirements (your full name as per passport)
- •The same documents must be presented in person on the day of assessment as printed copies.
- •If highest educational attainment is high school, transcripts of the last 3 years of study are required via email and as printed copies on assessment day.
- •Six passport-size photos (without eyeglasses) with a white background must be submitted as hard copies on the day of assessment.
- •All official certificates (birth certificate, academic diploma/certificate, and transcripts) must be attested by local issuing authorities prior to submission.
- •All foreign documents must be translated to English before attestation.
- •Prospective international candidates are responsible for their own travel, visa, and accommodation arrangements.
- •Upon registration, the Academy can assist with providing a student resident visa.
- •International candidates traveling to the UAE for assessments are advised to apply for a visa (tourist or visit) with at least one-month validity.
Submit your application to:
Customer_Care@airarabia.academy
Subject: Application Requirements (Your Full Name as per Passport)
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Prepare Documents
Collect all required documents. Get official certificates attested by local issuing authorities. Translate foreign documents to English.
Submit via Email
Send coloured copies of all documents to Customer_Care@airarabia.academy with the correct subject line including your full name.
Attend Assessment Day
Bring printed hard copies of all documents on assessment day. Bring 6 passport photos (no glasses, white background).
Complete All Stages
Complete all 5 entry assessment stages: Aviation Clearance, Medical, Aptitude Exam, Academic Test, and Panel Interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Air Arabia MPL Programme
What is an MPL licence?+
An MPL (Multi-Crew Pilot Licence) is an ICAO-defined pilot licence that qualifies a cadet to operate as a co-pilot (First Officer) on multi-crew commercial aircraft. It is earned through an airline-dedicated training programme and includes a validated ATPL upon completion.
What is the difference between MPL and CPL?+
A CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) allows you to fly as a single pilot commercially, while an MPL is specifically designed for multi-crew airline operations. MPL training is airline-specific, meaning you train for a specific airline fleet from day one, whereas CPL is a general qualification.
Do I need prior flying experience to apply?+
No prior flying experience is required. The Air Arabia MPL programme is an ab initio (from scratch) course — you start from zero and complete the full training pathway including ground school, simulator, and flight training over 22–24 months.
What is the FAST test in the academic exam?+
FAST stands for Future Aptitude Selection Tool. It is a standardised assessment used to measure a candidate's cognitive potential and aptitude for aviation training. It evaluates logical thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving ability.
Can Indian nationals apply for this programme?+
Yes! The programme is open to all nationalities. Indian candidates must arrange their own UAE visa (tourist/visit) with at least one month validity to attend all assessment stages. The Academy can assist with a student resident visa upon programme registration.
What happens after I complete the MPL programme?+
Upon successful completion, you receive an MPL(A) licence and a validated ATPL with 1500 flying hours, in collaboration with Air Arabia. Graduates are placed as First Officers with Air Arabia, the partner airline of the programme.
How can We One Aviation Academy help me apply?+
We One Aviation Academy guides aspiring pilots through the complete application process — document preparation, application submission, entry assessment preparation (aptitude tests, academic tests, interview coaching), and liaison with the academy. Contact us for free counselling.
Ready to Fly with Air Arabia?
We One Aviation Academy helps aspiring pilots prepare for and apply to the Air Arabia MPL Programme — from document preparation and aptitude test coaching to interview preparation and full application support.