Direct Entry Pilot - BA Euroflyer
As the United Kingdom’s flag carrier, British Airways proudly connects Britain with the world and the world with Britain. With a heritage spanning over 100 years, since launching the world’s first international scheduled air service, a spirit of originality remains at the core of the organisation. This spirit is shared with passengers, partners, and colleagues alike. A career within British Airways is one where individuals are inspired to think big and bring their ambition to work, demonstrating that the sky is never the limit.
British Airways Euroflyer, a wholly owned subsidiary based at London Gatwick, is seeking experienced First Officers to join as Direct Entry Pilots. The airline is searching for aviation professionals who possess the requisite skills, energy, experience, and aspirations for Command. As an experienced First Officer with demonstrated strong leadership skills, the successful candidate will be inspired to progress to Captain, role modelling the highest professional standards across the BA Euroflyer operation.
New Direct Entry Pilots will join the BA Euroflyer fleet with a structured pathway designed to support progression to Captain within 12 months, subject to vacancy availability and meeting required standards. Every colleague at BA Euroflyer contributes to taking the airline to new heights at London Gatwick. The growing network boasts over 40 destinations across Europe and North Africa, including popular holiday hotspots. Colleagues are dedicated to flying the flag, transporting customers in comfort and style while consistently delivering the premium British Airways service and upholding the safety standards for which the airline is renowned.
Based in Sussex, the flying programme ensures a return to the London Gatwick home base every evening. Flight crew benefit from a bidding system based on a truly fixed pattern roster, promoting a genuine lifestyle balance and enabling effective planning of time away from the flight deck. The nature of operations allows crew to preference early or late duties, and a popular swap function is available for additional flexibility.
Joining BA Euroflyer means experiencing a vibrant and energising team culture that prioritises connection, personal communication, and places colleagues at the heart of operations. As part of the wider British Airways family, pilots benefit from working alongside experts in various fields, collectively representing the British Airways brand globally.
What BA Euroflyer Offers:
- A starting salary of £78,000 plus allowances estimated at circa £14,332 per annum (based on 800 flying hours).
- Upon successful completion of the Command course, salary increases to £115,460 plus allowances estimated at circa £25,148 per annum, with annual incremental pay uplifts on a 15-point pay scale.
- Fully funded type rating courses with no associated training bond.
- A newly introduced fixed pattern roster designed to offer genuine lifestyle balance.
- 30 days annual leave, including single-use leave days for special occasions.
- An employer pension contribution of up to 15% (up to £11,250 in year one and £16,500+ upon upgrade) to support future financial security.
- Access to optional benefits including dental and critical illness cover, a technology scheme, cycle to work programme, and electric/plug-in hybrid car scheme.
- Access to British Airways Health Services for medicals, or a subsidy for Class 1 renewals if maintaining an established relationship with an AME.
- Inclusion on the British Airways master seniority list, providing a pathway for future career aspirations within the wider airline group, including opportunities for long-haul fleets at LHR, training positions, or lifestyle changes such as part-time work via the annual bid process.
Benefits for You and Your Family:
- A Loss of Licence scheme providing protection in the event of ill health.
- Life Assurance benefits providing coverage of up to 5 times salary.
- Private Health Insurance with AXA PPP, with the option for additional cover for family members.
- Annual Bookable Concessions on Staff Travel (available after 12 months service), including business class space available upgrades for the pilot, family, or friends across the British Airways network.
- Unlimited discounted airfares, hotels, and car hire for friends and family.
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme, offering free confidential advice and support including counselling, financial, and legal guidance.
Requirements:
Candidates should possess:
- A current UK issued CAA Flight Crew Licence (ATPL(A), fATPL(A), MPL) or hold an EASA licence and meet the UK CAA’s “Third Country CPL and ATPL licence conversion requirements” (Route 3, 4, 5, or 6).
- A minimum of 2500 hours total flying time (subject to factorisation), with a detailed breakdown of hours included in the application.
- The unrestricted right to live and work in the United Kingdom.
- A height between 1.57m (5’2”) and 1.91m (6’3”). Pilots taller than 1.91m are welcome to apply but will need to pass a functionality check to confirm ability to meet seating requirements in the BA Euroflyer fleet.
- A good level of physical fitness.
- Spoken and written English proficiency at ICAO level 6.
- A valid passport with a minimum of 12 months validity from the contract start date.
- A valid Class 1 medical certificate with a minimum of 6 months validity from the contract start date.