At a Glance
- Tasks: Fly long-haul routes and provide top-notch experiences for passengers.
- Company: Join British Airways, the UK's flag carrier with over 100 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, staff travel perks, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Diverse opportunities await in a culture that values inclusion and growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and explore exciting career paths in aviation.
- Qualifications: Must hold a UK CAA licence and have relevant flying experience.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
As the nation’s flag carrier, we take great pride in connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain. We have been doing this for over 100 years, since launching the world’s first international scheduled air service between London and Paris. The spirit is shared with the people that fly with us, our partners and our colleagues. Whether you are a reassuring voice on the end of a phone, a smile at the door, under a wing keeping the turbines spinning or landing us gently in far‑flung places, a job at British Airways is yours to make. We believe great things happen when you think big and bring your ambition to work every day, because at British Airways the sky is never the limit.
The customer is at the heart of everything that we do. Your goal will be to provide the very best flight experience possible for each passenger. Wherever you are going, your flying will be world class. The life of a commercial pilot is exciting, and you’ll be challenged every day to perform to the highest standards. As a pilot in British Airways, your career path is never defined. Starting on one of our 4 long-haul fleets you will be able to choose if you want to transfer to another long-haul fleet or our short-haul fleet to become a captain. Your lifestyle is important to us and with a huge variety of roles outside of flying, from training to recruiting the pilots of the future, there are countless opportunities. Not only will you have the chance to further your career development within BA, but you’ll also have access to our competitive reward and benefits package.
With nearly 70 long-haul aircraft on order this is an exciting time to join our pilot community. We’ve recently introduced significant roster enhancements to give our pilots greater flexibility and balance. Expect more time to rest after blocks of work, reduced monthly flying targets, shorter working blocks, and fewer standby periods. Plus, we’ve increased opportunities for guaranteed days off.
Minimum criteria to apply:
- Current type rating with a minimum of 1500 hours total time. This must include a minimum of 500 hours on a relevant aeroplane type and may include a maximum of 100 hours in a suitable simulator.
- Flying experience on a relevant aeroplane type within the past 12 months.
- UK Part-FCL licence (ATPL(A) or meet the hours requirements to obtain an ATPL(A)).
- UK issued CAA Class 1 medical certificate with at least 6 months validity remaining from date of joining.
- Height between 1.57m (5’2”) and 1.91m (6’3”). Qualified pilots taller than 1.91m may submit an application but will be required to undergo a functionality check to confirm their ability to meet requirements of the seating positions in the variety of BA fleets.
- Good level of physical fitness.
- Spoken and written English ICAO level 6.
- Valid passport (minimum 12 months before expiry date).
- Able to comply with British Airways' uniform standards – tattoos are permissible as long as they are not on the hands, face or head.
- Ability to swim 50m (55 yards) followed by treading water for 3 minutes and be able to assist people in water.
- Able to tread water whilst fitting a lifejacket and pull your own body weight out of the water and into a life raft using the hand holds on the side of the raft.
Job opportunities are available on all fleets. Only CCQ courses available on long-haul Airbus fleets. 777 pilots operate out of LHR and LGW; 777 pilots will also operate the Boeing 777X when it enters service. A limited number of vacancies exist on other fleets, with preference given to those that hold a current rating on the aircraft type. Moves to other fleets will be processed via the internal fleet move system and awarded on a seniority basis. We are an equal opportunities employer and value diversity at British Airways.
This job description aims to provide information essential to understanding the scope of the role, as well as the overall nature and level of work carried out by job holders in this position. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.
Hotel accommodation can be requested and will be provided for 777 LGW flights on the day before duty and a day room after landing, if the flight duty period is over 8 hours and is not a positioning sector.
What we offer:
- Access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights.
- Up to 30 discounted "Hotline" airfares per year for yourself, friends and family.
- Dynamic Career Path.
- Varied Roster Patterns (night stops, day trips and tours).
- Company pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution).
- Eligible for extensive British Airways worldwide staff travel.
- Greater choice of 5 different fleet types (after initial freeze).
- Life insurance benefits.
- Company funded conversion course/type rating (not bonded).
- Discounted airfares for your friends and family.
- Discounts at selected car hire, hotels and retail stores.
- A range of voluntary benefits for yourself and family members.
- Private medical cover, Technology scheme, Cycle to Work and Electric/Plug-in Hybrid car scheme.
We recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity, and identity to work. We encourage people from all backgrounds to be part of our journey to become a Better BA.
Reapplication process:
Candidates who were not successful at initial screening, video interview, capacity testing or assessment centre stage can reapply for the pilot recruitment campaign after 6 months from their most recent assessment date. Candidates who were not successful at the SIM stage must wait 12 months before reapplying for the pilot recruitment campaign. You may only apply to one airline within the British Airways family (British Airways, Euroflyer or Cityflyer) at a time. If you are unsuccessful in one campaign, you will be unable to reapply to any of the three airlines within the British Airways family until the specified re-application period has elapsed. Long-haul suitability will be assessed during simulator assessment. If you do not meet the long haul requirements you may be offered a role on our short-haul fleet. Successful candidates will enter a hold pool. Candidates in the hold pool will receive a maximum of 2 job offers. If a candidate turns down their second job offer, they will exit the hold pool and be required to reapply after 12 months and complete the entire selection process again.
Direct Entry Pilot - Long-haul - UK CAA licence holder employer: British Airways
British Airways is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of the aviation industry. As a Lead Product Data Scientist, you will have access to cutting-edge technology and significant opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to impactful projects that enhance operational efficiency. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on delivering measurable business value, British Airways provides a rewarding environment for those looking to make a difference in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Direct Entry Pilot - Long-haul - UK CAA licence holder
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with current pilots and staff at British Airways on LinkedIn or through aviation forums. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you for the role, which can give your application a serious boost.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common pilot interview questions. Think about your flying experiences and how they relate to the role at British Airways. We want to hear your stories, so make them engaging and relevant!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for flying and customer service during the interview. Remember, it’s not just about flying; it’s about providing an exceptional experience for passengers. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, so keep checking back for new roles that suit your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Direct Entry Pilot - Long-haul - UK CAA licence holder
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for flying and being part of British Airways shine through. We want to see that you’re not just ticking boxes but genuinely excited about the role and what it means to connect people across the globe.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for this pilot position. Highlight your relevant flying experience, type ratings, and any unique skills that set you apart. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at British Airways!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the application process right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Airways
✨Know Your Aircraft
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the aircraft you’ll be flying. Brush up on its systems, performance characteristics, and any recent updates or changes. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Demonstrate Customer Focus
British Airways places a strong emphasis on customer experience. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for passengers. Highlighting your commitment to providing a world-class flight experience will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
With the dynamic nature of flying, it’s crucial to demonstrate your adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you handle changing schedules, unexpected situations, and your approach to maintaining work-life balance. This will align with British Airways' focus on roster enhancements and pilot well-being.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to aviation regulations, emergency procedures, and flight operations. Brush up on your knowledge of UK CAA regulations and be prepared to discuss how you would handle various in-flight scenarios. Confidence in your technical skills will set you apart.