There are two opposing factors in this question. Number one is age, number two is finances.
An 18y/o school leaver is highly unlikely to have £40-60k to spare (unless he has filthy rich parents), whereas mid 30's guys probably do have the cash of their own to spare. So you've either got youth or cash on your side.
If the airlines want a constant supply of fresh meat, then they should dip into their pockets and start sponsoring again.
Having said that depends on who is interviewing you. If the interviewer was a mature self improver when he qualified, he may favour the mature self improver.