Brussels Airlines · Cadet / ab initio
MPL Cadet Program - Brussels
Brussels Airlines is running an MPL cadet training programme based in Brussels, aimed at training future pilots for the airline.
- Employer
- Brussels Airlines
- Position
- Cadet / ab initio
- Base
- Bruxelles
- Pay (public sources)
- Pay scale not published; two-stage gross pay increase (2024 and 2026) agreed in March 2024
- Seen
- 8 October 2026
Key points
- MPL cadet programme
- Employer: Brussels Airlines
- Base: Brussels
Summary written by ForAllPilots from the employer's posting. Only the official posting counts: check every condition before you apply.
Belgian flag carrier
Brussels Airlines at a glance
The Belgian flag carrier, formed in 2006, a 100% subsidiary of the Lufthansa group since 2017, known for its African network inherited from the former Sabena.
- Bases
- Brussels National (Zaventem)
- Fleet
- Airbus A319/A320; A330
Pilot recruitment
Subsidiary of the Lufthansa group. Recruits qualified pilots, with possible pathways to the group's training programmes (Lufthansa Aviation Training).
Pay and conditions, from public sources
Figures published by the airline, pilot unions or the press, each one dated (last update: October 2026). For information only.
- Pay deal: the pilots' gross pay scale is revised in two stages, a first increase in 2024 and a second planned for 2026; amounts were not made public (March 2024).
- The deal averted a four-day strike planned for 27–30 March 2024; management had initially wanted any rise tied to fewer rest days (March 2024).
- Working time and rest: a working party was set up to look separately at pilots' working hours and rest periods (March 2024).
- MPL cadet programme: about 19 months of training with Skywings at Antwerp Airport, A320 type rating included, then a first officer contract on the A320; cost €112,500 including VAT, payable in three instalments (October 2026).
- Cadet criteria: EU passport, fluent English plus French and/or Dutch, ability to obtain a Class 1 medical, certificate of good conduct and secondary-school diploma; applications for the 2027 intake close on 1 November 2026 (October 2026).
- Cadet selection: application screening, aptitude test, written and oral English test, psychological test, maths and physics test, then an HR interview (October 2026).
Sources read (3)
Give yourself every chance
A cadet selection mostly assesses your potential: aptitude tests (attention, mental arithmetic, spatial orientation, memory), English, then a motivation interview and often a group exercise.
Practise the aptitude tests regularly, in short sessions, and track your scores: progress is what counts, not a cramming week.
Revise the theory basics (meteorology, navigation, principles of flight): many selections touch on them, and you will need them from day one of training.