A total of 90 Scholarships worth over £140,000 have been awarded in 2024 to young people across the UK pursuing a career in aviation. The Air League’s coveted Scholarship Programme includes powered flying courses, gliding courses, the UK’s first electric flying Scholarship and fully sponsored Private Pilots Licence (PPL) courses worth over £12,000 each.
The Scholarship courses will take place at flying and gliding clubs across England, Wales and Scotland over the summer, with engineering placements at Affinity Flying Training Services and Drone Scholarships at Eagle Eye Innovations to follow.
This year, the Air League are proud to award a total of 90 aviation Scholarships; 56 flying Scholarships, 31 gliding Scholarships and 3 electric flying Scholarships.
Data from this year’s Scholars highlights that 30% are female, which is far higher than the industry average of 6.5% for pilots. 45% of Scholars are under the age of 18, and 48% are aged between 18-24. Furthermore, one in four Scholars are from an ethnic or minority background and 45% of Scholars’ parents were not university educated.
In 2024, the Air League also launched the UK’s first Electric Flying Scholarships. The Scholarships, which will take place with Saxon Air at Norwich Airport, will use the Pipistrel Velis Electro, with additional simulator time, ground school and sustainability discussions and education. The Air League has been working to promote sustainable air-mindedness amongst the next generation, and the Electric Flying Scholarships will ensure a renewed focus on sustainable aviation.
Following the awards, Ben Harris, Scholarships Programme Manager at the Air League, said:
‘The 2024 Scholarship Programme has proven that the desire to pursue a career in aviation is as strong as ever. Close to 1000 applications were received for our Flying, Electric Flying and Gliding Scholarships: around a 25% increase on 2023. The job of picking our lucky recipients was made very difficult due to the outstanding quality of the applicants. Our scholarships aim to assist in breaking down the barriers of entry to the aviation industry. We are hopeful that the 2024 Scholars will use their scholarships to propel themselves towards long and prosperous careers in aviation. We wish all recipients of the 2024 Air League Scholarships the very best of luck with their training.’
Scholarship recipients will complete their courses over the coming months and will be invited to the annual Scholarship Awards Reception being held in London in November.
Generous sponsorship from AFE has also enabled the Air League to supply all flying Scholars with training materials. All Flying Scholars will receive a 12-month subscription to the Flight Training News magazine. 5 hour Scholars will receive a Logbook, VB1 kneeboard and PPL1 training manual worth over £50. 12 hour Scholars will receive a Logbook, VB1 kneeboard, PPL1 training manual, Operational Procedures book, Air Law book, PPL syllabus and course guide worth over £100. Full PPL Scholars will receive a Full Flying Study pack, worth £249.
The Air League aims to inspire, enable, and support the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals from any background across the United Kingdom. Over the past decade, scholarships worth over £2 million have been allocated. In 2024, 90 awards worth over £140,000 have been allocated to aspiring individuals throughout the entire UK. The Air League is deeply grateful to the sponsors of the scholarships and bursaries who generously provide continuing support for scholarships and programmes.
Josef Triyantoro, a 12 hour Flying Scholar, said:
‘When I was seven years old, I flew in a plane for the first time, and had the opportunity to visit the cockpit before the flight. It was in this moment I knew straight away I wanted to become a pilot, and since then, my passion for aviation has only grown! It has always fascinated me what every button in the cockpit does, and how a massive metal machine can actually fly! Over the years, I’ve involved myself in several aviation related activities, such as being an Air Cadet, and undertaking work experience with Airbus. Knowing this isn’t a cheap industry to break into, I tried gliding, and was awarded a 1 week scholarship course in 2022. It is only recently I have had the opportunity to progress my dream of becoming a commercial pilot; having recently completed my A Levels, I am now in the process of gaining my Private Pilots License at my local airfield. I’m proud to have been awarded a 12 hour flying scholarship from The Air League, which will help contribute hours towards my license, and removes the hurdle of the financial barrier. I cannot thank them, and my family, enough for their support!
Ava Udwadia, a Gliding Scholar, said:
“Concorde inspired my interest in flight as a child and this soon spiralled into a love of all things aviation. I started gliding while I was in university and quickly became determined to develop my skills within the sport. My first solo was in 2022, and I completed my bronze in 2023. I love the sense of community in gliding and became determined to help the clubs that helped me achieve my goals. While I do ‘duty’ days and volunteer work, I really want to become an instructor as I would like to inspire the next generation of glider pilots and help to grow the gliding community. I plan to gain my Basic Instructor Rating as soon as possible, which would not be possible without the financial support of the Air League. I am truly grateful and honoured to be granted this scholarship and can’t wait to put it to good use!”
Ismael Sbai, an Electric Flying Scholar, said:
“Being awarded the UK’s first Electric Flying Scholarship is a dream come true and a testament to my dedication to sustainable aviation. This scholarship not only brings me closer to obtaining my Private Pilot License (PPL) but also allows me to contribute to a greener future that we very much need. With a background in aerospace engineering, I am committed to advancing eco-friendly technologies and making a lasting impact on the industry.”
For press enquiries contact:
Lucy Isabel Dakin-Scott
Marketing and Communications Officer
The Air League
E: lucy.dakin-scott@airleague.co.uk
