Becoming a pilot is a dream job for many—soaring across the world, experiencing new cultures, and working with the best office view imaginable: 30,000 feet above the ground!
But there’s always been one major roadblock: the sky-high cost of pilot training.
In Switzerland, just like in many other countries, becoming a pilot can cost CHF 140,000 (~$157,000 USD).
For most people, that’s simply too much to afford.
But here’s the good news: Swiss airlines Edelweiss and Swiss International Air Lines (Swiss) are changing the game.
They’re introducing new financing options that will help aspiring pilots start their training without having to pay huge amounts upfront starting in June 2025.
So, what exactly are they offering? How does it work? And most importantly—do pilots still have to pay in the end?
Let’s break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand!
Edelweiss: Free Training Now, Pay Later!
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What’s the Deal?
Starting in June 2025, Swiss citizens who want to become pilots with Edelweiss, the sister company of SWISS International Air Lines (SWISS), will no longer have to pay anything upfront.
Instead, the airline will cover the entire CHF 80,000 (~$90,000 USD) training cost through a special loan.
The best part?
You only start paying back the loan after you finish training and get a job as a pilot with Edelweiss!
What About Non-Swiss Citizens?
If you’re from an EU or EFTA country, you still have to pay CHF 24,000 (~$27,000 USD) as a personal contribution.
That’s because Swiss citizens get more government subsidies, so the airline can afford to offer them a bigger loan.
But even for EU/EFTA citizens, this is a huge improvement from the past, when pilot hopefuls had to cover even more costs on their own.
How Does Repayment Work?
- You don’t have to start paying back the loan right away.
- Once you finish training and get a job at Edelweiss, you start paying it back in small installments.
- The loan has low interest, so it won’t be a massive burden.
This means you don’t need to be rich to become a pilot anymore—you just need the skills and passion to make it happen!
For more details, visit Edelweiss Pilot Training Information ✈️
Swiss International Air Lines: A Similar Deal, but With a Twist
Swiss International Air Lines (Swiss) is also introducing a new financing plan starting in June 2025
What’s Their Offer?
Swiss will cover the entire “equity portion” of the training costs as a loan.
Wait—what’s the “equity portion”? Basically, in the past, even with financial support, Swiss pilots still had to pay a big chunk of their training costs themselves. Now, that extra cost is completely covered through a loan.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
Just like Edelweiss, Swiss is removing the biggest financial barrier for aspiring pilots.
You won’t need to come up with thousands of dollars upfront. Instead, Swiss will pay for your training now, and you’ll repay it in small installments once you start working as a pilot.
Oliver Buchhofer, the Chief Operating Officer of Swiss, explained it perfectly:
“We are removing a major financial hurdle and opening the way to the cockpit for even more talent. From now on, it shouldn’t depend on your financial background whether you can become a pilot.”
And that’s exactly the point—these programs are making pilot training more accessible for everyone, not just for those who can afford it.
What Does It Take to Become a SWISS/ Edelweiss Pilot? Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for these programs, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1️⃣ Skills & Personality Traits
- Passion for aviation & strong technical skills
- Ability to stay calm and focused—even in turbulence!
- A true team player—your crew must be able to count on you
- Strong communication skills—you’ll be working with people from all over the world
- Good physical stamina—piloting can be mentally and physically demanding
2️⃣ Education & Language Requirements
- You must speak German and English fluently at the start of training
You need one of the following:
- Swiss high school diploma (Gymnasiale Maturität)
- Vocational school-leaving certificate
- Swiss Federal Certificate of Proficiency (EFZ) with admission to a Technical College (FH)
(Not fluent in German yet? No worries—SWISS will help you learn after passing the assessment!)
3️⃣ Age & Citizenship Requirements
- You must be at least 17 years old
- You must be a Swiss, EU-26, or EFTA citizen
4️⃣ Aviation Aptitude Test
To prove you have the skills to succeed, you need to pass either:
- The DLR Test (a professional aviation assessment) OR
- SPHAIR Certificate (a program that tests aviation aptitude)
If you pass, you’re eligible to start training at the European Flight Academy (EFA)—SWISS’s official flight school.
How to Apply & What to Expect
Once you meet the requirements, here’s how your journey to the cockpit begins:
Step 1: Pass the DLR Test or Get a SPHAIR Certificate
These tests evaluate your coordination, decision-making, and technical skills.
You need to pass before applying for the program.
- DLR Test: Register and complete the test independently before applying.
- SPHAIR Screening: For eligible Swiss citizens, completing this screening provides a direct pathway to application.
Step 2: Pass the SWISS Assessment Process
- SWISS wants to see if you’re the right fit for the job.
Their assessment includes:
- An interview (to test your motivation & personality)
- A group exercise (to see how well you work with others)
- Psychomotor tests (to assess reaction speed & coordination)
Step 4: Medical Exam (Including Hair Analysis!)
- This ensures you’re physically fit to fly.
- No dyed or bleached hair for at least three months before the exam!
- Avoid alcohol-based hair products like gel or lotion.
Step 5: Sign the Financing Agreement
Upon successful assessment and medical clearance, sign a framework and loan agreement with SWISS or Edelweiss. This agreement outlines the pre-financing of training costs and repayment terms.
These airlines will cover your training costs upfront—you only start repaying after you get hired as a pilot.
Step 6: Commencement of Training:
Begin the approximately two-year training program at the EFA, encompassing both theoretical and practical components.
Step 7: Achieving Your Dream
After 2 years of training, dedication, and hard work, trainees finally earn their wings and step into the cockpit as official SWISS or Edelweiss pilots. 🎉
Why Is SWISS Doing This?
You might be wondering—why would SWISS invest so much money in future pilots?
The answer is simple: they need pilots—badly!
The aviation industry is recovering fast after the COVID-19 pandemic, and airlines are struggling to find enough pilots to meet demand. Just to keep operations running smoothly, SWISS needs to hire around 110 new pilots every year.
By offering this financing model, SWISS is making sure they:
- Attract top talent who might have been discouraged by high training costs
- Secure a strong workforce for the future
- Create equal opportunities for anyone with the skills and passion to fly
For aspiring pilots, this means a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—a chance to join SWISS without worrying about financial barriers.
What Does This Mean for Future Pilots?
If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a pilot, this could be your chance. Thanks to SWISS’s new financing plan, you no longer need to:
- Save up CHF 140,000 (~$157,000 USD) before you can start training
- Take out risky private loans
- Worry about how to afford pilot school
For many, this program could be the only chance to turn their aviation dreams into reality.
Ready to Apply? Here’s Where to Start!
Applications are open, and this could be your chance to take off on an exciting career! Find all the details and apply now:
➡️ Apply for Pilot Training Here
Don’t wait too long—spots fill up fast! Check the official SWISS website for the latest deadlines and requirements.
