Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program 2026: Qualifications, Cost and How to Apply

Last updated: November 2, 2026

Cebu Pacific’s Cadet Pilot Program 2.0 trains aspiring pilots from zero experience to airline first officer, with a guaranteed job at Cebu Pacific for those who complete it. Here is how the program works, what it costs and what to know about the next intake.

Is the Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program open?

As of November 2, 2026, the online application at Airworks says the cadet application is closed and to wait for the next round. Cebu Pacific announces each new call for applicants on its official social media accounts and website, with the application link. Bookmark the Airworks application page and follow Cebu Pacific’s official pages for the next intake.

Program overview

• 96-week, self-funded program
• Training at Airworks Aviation Academy, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Lapu-Lapu City, plus phases in Pasay City
• Guaranteed employment with Cebu Pacific for cadets who complete basic flight training, type rating and airline integration training

After the program, cadets have:

• A Commercial Pilot License with Instrument Rating
• 200 hours of flight time
• Airline Transport Pilot License ground school with multi-engine simulator experience
• A type rating on the Airbus A320 or ATR 72-600

Who can apply

• Filipino citizens (Filipino passport holders or dual citizens)
• Graduates of any four-year college course
• An average of at least 80% (or equivalent) in Math, Physics and English. If your degree didn’t have these subjects, your Senior High School Form 137 can be used.
• Medically fit for flight training
• A valid Filipino passport before training starts
• No age limit
• Less than 20 hours of prior flying experience. This is an ab initio program, so previous pilot training is not credited.

Application and selection

1. Apply through the Airworks online application page or the link in Cebu Pacific’s official call for applicants.
2. Airworks reviews all applications. You won’t receive status updates during this stage.
3. Shortlisted applicants are invited to Pasay City for testing: a core skills test (numeracy and English), the CUT-E pilot aptitude test and a personality questionnaire.
4. Those who pass take a panel interview with Cebu Pacific.
5. Successful candidates undergo a medical assessment.
6. Candidates who pass everything get a training start date.

Training phases

1. Aviation Foundation Course (4 weeks, Pasay): aviation English and basic theory, about 120 hours of ground training
2. Basic Flight Training (68 weeks, Lapu-Lapu City): live-in, full board at the Airworks campus
3. Airline Integration Training (24 weeks, Pasay)

Costs and financing

• Screening fee: ₱13,250, paid after you pass pre-screening (covers aptitude tests and medical screening)
• Total program cost: about ₱5,000,000, paid in milestones
• Financing: Cebu Pacific partnered with BPI for personal loans and property equity loans that the cadet’s parent or guardian can apply for

Training agreement

Cadets sign a training agreement to serve Cebu Pacific for at least 10 years from their first productive flight. Cebu Pacific flies cadets to Cebu, and full uniforms (except shoes) are provided.

Only Cebu Pacific and Airworks officials will deal with you directly. The program does not use agents and does not charge introductory fees.

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