About This Role
British Airways is recruiting experienced Direct Entry Pilots at the Senior First Officer level, based at London Heathrow, to fly its modern long-haul and short-haul fleets to hundreds of international destinations. This is a permanent, full-time flight-deck role for pilots who already hold a current type rating and substantial experience on a relevant multi-pilot turbine aeroplane. New joiners start on one of the four long-haul fleets and can later transfer between long-haul and short-haul fleets or progress toward Captain, with wider opportunities in training, recruitment and management. Candidates are offered the rank that reflects their experience at the point of offer, and those joining as Senior First Officer must complete BA's SFO training packages within 12 months of joining. Long-haul suitability is assessed at the simulator stage, and a short-haul position may be offered based on the final assessment.
Duties & Responsibilities
- As a British Airways pilot, the central responsibility is to deliver the safest and best possible flight experience for every passenger while flying to world-class standards under demanding daily operations.
- Senior First Officers operate as part of a multi-crew flight deck across BA's long-haul and short-haul fleets, flying to hundreds of international destinations and performing to the highest professional standards every day.
- Beyond line flying, pilots are encouraged to take ownership of their role and contribute to wider activities such as training, recruitment, sustainability and operational projects as their careers develop.
What We Offer
British Airways offers a competitive reward package on top of salary. Staff travel benefits include unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on BA flights, up to 30 discounted 'Hotline' airfares per year for the pilot, friends and family, and an Annual Bookable Concession after six months of service. The pension is a market-leading defined contribution scheme (enrolled at 2% employee and 7% employer contributions, with employer contributions available up to 15% and an option to increase). Additional benefits include life insurancea company-funded conversion course/type rating that is not bondeddiscounted airfares for friends and familydiscounts at selected car hire, hotels and retail storesprivate medical covera technology schemeCycle to Workand an electric/plug-in hybrid car scheme via salary sacrifice (after 12 months). Flexible benefits include critical illness cover, childcare vouchers, a dental plan and a healthcare cash plan, along with a Gymflex annual membership benefit and a 75% discount on Heathrow Express Saver tickets. BA also highlights recent roster enhancements offering more rest after blocks of work, reduced monthly flying targets, shorter working blocks, fewer standby periods and more guaranteed days off.
Requirements
- Minimum criteria to apply: a current type rating with at least 3,000 hours on a relevant aeroplane type, excluding simulator time (a relevant aeroplane type is a multi-pilot turbojet certified to CS-25 or an equivalent airworthiness code, or a multi-pilot turboprop with a maximum certificated take-off mass of at least 10 tonnes or seating for more than 19 passengers). The current type rating need not be on the applicant's UK licence, but the applicant must still hold a UK fATPL(A) or ATPL(A) and must not have surrendered their UK licence to obtain an EASA/ICAO licence. Applicants must have flown a relevant aeroplane type within the past 12 months, and this recent on-type experience within 12 months is required to be eligible for Zero Flight Time Training (ZFTT). A UK Part-FCL licence is required — either an ATPL(A) or meeting the hours requirements to obtain an ATPL(A), with any outstanding licence upgrade completed during the type rating. Also required: a UK CAA Class 1 medical certificate with at least 6 months' validity remaining at the date of joining
- height between 1.57 m (5'2") and 1.91 m (6'3"), with taller qualified pilots able to apply subject to a functionality check
- a good level of physical fitness
- spoken and written English at ICAO Level 6
- a valid passport with at least 12 months before expiry and the ability to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa
- ability to meet BA uniform standards (tattoos permitted provided they are not on the hands, face or head)
- and water-survival competencies including swimming 50 m (55 yards) followed by treading water for 3 minutes, assisting people in water, fitting a lifejacket while treading water, and pulling one's own body weight into a life raft. Candidates should apply for this campaign only if they meet the required Senior First Officer hours.