Airlines for Europe (A4E) is offering a 9-month paid policy traineeship in Brussels, Belgium, starting on 15 January 2027. It is a full-time role in EU aviation policy, advocacy and communications, open to Master's students and recent graduates. Applications close on 16 November 2026.
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Policy Traineeship Key Facts
✈️ Organisation: Airlines for Europe (A4E)
🏛️ Role: Policy Trainee
📍 Location: Brussels, Belgium
🕘 Schedule: Full-time
📆 Duration: 9 months, expected start on 15 January 2027
💶 Pay: Paid traineeship (the amount is not stated in the vacancy)
🎓 Who: Master's students and recent Master's graduates
🗣️ Language: Fluent English plus one other European language
⏳ Application deadline: 16 November 2026
A Platform for a Career in EU Affairs
A4E describes the traineeship as a good platform to embark on a career in EU affairs. You work in Brussels at the intersection between industry and politics, gain insights into the aviation world and the airline business in particular, and take on a challenging, high-profile work experience in a stimulating and multicultural environment.
About Airlines for Europe
Airlines for Europe is Europe's largest airline association, based in Brussels. Its airlines operate over 3,800 aircraft, carried over 798 million passengers in 2025, served over 2,700 destinations and moved around 4 million tonnes of goods per year. The office is located at Rond-Point Schuman 6, 1st floor, B-1040 Brussels.
Assisting Advocacy Campaigns
You assist A4E's policy team in planning and conducting advocacy campaigns. This is the core of the role: helping the team put its positions in front of decision-makers.
Preparing Association Meetings and External Events
You support the preparation of association meetings and external events, which are part of how the association works with its members and with outside audiences.
Highlighting What Airlines Bring to Europe
You support A4E initiatives that highlight the contribution of European airlines to connectivity, the environment and the economy in Europe.
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Background Research and Policy Analysis
You conduct background research and prepare analysis on relevant policy dossiers. Expect to read, summarise and structure information for the policy team.
Following Brussels Policy Developments
You monitor and report on political and policy developments in Brussels that matter to the aviation sector, so the team stays informed about what is moving in the EU institutions.
Supporting the Communications Team
You support the communications team in three ways:
📰 Preparing newsletters
🗓️ Coordinating events
📇 Maintaining contact databases
Academic Background: A Master's Programme in Progress or Just Completed
The vacancy asks for an academic background in European affairs, politics, international relations, law, economics or similar. You must be currently enrolled in a Master's degree programme or have just graduated from one.
Good Knowledge of the EU
You need a good knowledge of the EU, its processes and policies. The daily work depends on understanding how EU legislation and policy files move forward.
Interest in Aviation and Government Affairs
A strong interest in aviation and the airline industry, as well as in government affairs, is expected.
Communication Skills and a Personal Network in Brussels
A4E looks for solid communication skills and a desire to develop a personal network in Brussels.
English and Another European Language
You need oral and written fluency in English and knowledge of at least one other European language. French, German or Spanish are a plus.
Working Style: Multitasking, Deadlines and a Hands-On Mentality
The vacancy lists the ability to multi-task, meet tight deadlines and adapt to changing demands, together with a hands-on mentality.
Teamwork in a Multicultural Environment
Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team in a multicultural environment are part of the profile.
Event Management Experience Is a Plus
Previous experience in event management is considered a plus. It is not required, but it fits the event preparation and coordination tasks in the role.
Nine Months of Paid Work From January 2027
The traineeship lasts 9 months and is paid. It is full-time and is expected to start on 15 January 2027. The vacancy does not state the amount. Our guide on how paid internships abroad work explains how employer-paid placements differ from grant-funded traineeships.
Nationality and Eligibility
The vacancy does not list a nationality requirement. The conditions it sets are the academic background, the Master's-level enrolment or recent graduation and the language skills described above.
How to Apply
Send an email with:
📄 Your CV
✉️ A cover letter of maximum 1 page explaining why you would like to join A4E
Write "A4E Policy Traineeship 2027" in the subject line. Also indicate in your email whether you consent to A4E processing your personal data for the purpose of this application and until this position is filled.
What Happens After You Apply
A4E will not be able to consider applications received after the deadline of 16 November 2026. Because of the high volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
More Internships Like This One
Find more placements like this one in the Internship category on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the A4E Policy Trainee do?
The trainee assists the policy team with advocacy campaigns, supports association meetings and external events, and backs initiatives on the contribution of European airlines to connectivity, the environment and the economy. The role also covers background research, policy analysis, monitoring Brussels developments and supporting the communications team.
Where is the traineeship based?
The traineeship is based in Brussels, Belgium, at the offices of Airlines for Europe. It is a full-time role.
When does it start and how long does it last?
The expected start date is 15 January 2027. The traineeship lasts 9 months.
Is the traineeship paid?
Yes. The vacancy describes it as a 9-month paid traineeship, but it does not state the amount.
Who can apply?
You must be currently enrolled in a Master's degree programme or have just graduated from one. The vacancy asks for a background in European affairs, politics, international relations, law, economics or a similar field.
Which languages do I need?
You need oral and written fluency in English and knowledge of at least one other European language. French, German or Spanish are a plus.
Do I need experience in event management?
No. Previous experience in event management is only considered a plus.
What do I send in my application?
Send your CV and a cover letter of maximum 1 page explaining why you would like to join A4E, with "A4E Policy Traineeship 2027" in the subject line. State in the email whether you consent to A4E processing your personal data for this application.
Will every applicant get a reply?
No. Due to the high volume of applications, only short-listed candidates are contacted.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must reach A4E by 16 November 2026. Later applications will not be considered.
Deadline
⏳ 16 November 2026
Links
🔗 Vacancy page (Airlines for Europe): https://www.a4e.eu/news/policy-traineeship-at-airlines-for-europe
📧 Application email: contact@a4e.eu
