About This Role
British Airways offers this permanent, full-time Direct Entry Pilot pathway to experienced pilots leaving the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Royal Marines or Army Air Corps. Successful candidates continue their flying careers in commercial passenger operations, primarily on the short-haul Airbus A320 fleet, although suitably experienced pilots may be offered positions on the A350, A380, B777 or B787 long-haul fleets. The role focuses on delivering an excellent passenger flight experience while maintaining British Airways' demanding flying standards. Entrants receive a company-funded, unbonded type rating and can pursue fleet moves, accelerated short-haul command where eligible, training, recruitment, management and other career-development opportunities.
Duties & Responsibilities
- The pilot is responsible for placing the customer at the centre of the operation and providing each passenger with the best flight experience possible.
- The role involves delivering world-class flying and consistently performing to British Airways' exacting standards in daily commercial operations.
- Depending on prior experience and assessment results, the pilot will operate either on the short-haul Airbus fleet or one of the airline's long-haul fleets.
- The position requires a responsible, resilient, committed, adaptable and customer-oriented approach, with opportunities over time to contribute beyond line flying through pilot training, recruitment, project work, sustainability initiatives and operational management.
What We Offer
British Airways provides a competitive reward package and a company-funded, unbonded conversion course and type rating. Travel benefits include unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights, up to 30 discounted Hotline airfares per year for the employee, friends and family, worldwide staff travel and an Annual Bookable Concession after six months. The package includes a defined-contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 15%, life insurance and access to private medical cover. Pilots receive varied roster patterns involving night stops, day trips and tours, a choice among five fleet types after the initial fleet freeze, internal career mobility and possible accelerated progression to short-haul command. Additional benefits include discounts on car hire, hotels and retail purchasescritical-illness, dental and healthcare planschildcare and flexible-benefit optionstechnology and Cycle to Work schemesan electric or plug-in hybrid car schemeGymflexand discounted Heathrow Express travel.
Requirements
- Applicants must have recent military or equivalent fixed-wing or rotary flying experience and qualify as Qualified Military Pilots under CAP 2254. The short-haul pathway requires at least 500 hours on any military type and the ability to obtain an fATPL(A) and MCC, or an exemption, by the joining date. The long-haul pathway requires at least 1,500 hours of military flying time, including 500 hours or 100 sectors on a ZFTT-qualifying aircraft, plus the ability to obtain an unfrozen ATPL(A) and MCC, or an exemption, by joining. Previous military or equivalent flying experience must have been gained within the last three years. Candidates must have started ATPL ground school and be confident that an fATPL(A) can be completed and issued within 18 months of applying. They must hold ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 6, have a valid passport with at least 12 months remaining at the time of joining and unrestricted worldwide travel privileges, and possess the right to live and work in the UK. A UK CAA Class 1 flight crew medical is required before an offer, although Military A1 status is accepted when applying. Candidates must meet British Airways' medical and physical-fitness standards. The normal height range is 1.57–1.91 metres
- taller applicants may apply but must complete a functionality check. Tattoos are allowed provided they are not on the hands, face or head. Applications are open to Qualified Military Pilots who have already left or plan to leave military service within 18 months.