British Airways | A320 Military Pilot

Military Pilot Pathway - Direct Entry Pilot

British Airways is seeking experienced pilots from the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Army Air Corps to join its esteemed ranks. This is an exceptional opportunity to continue a distinguished flying career while upholding the highest standards within a globally recognized airline.

As the national flag carrier, British Airways connects Britain to the world, carrying forward a legacy of over a century of pioneering air travel. This heritage of innovation is at the core of their operations and shared by its dedicated employees. The airline values individuals who aspire to make a significant impact, and here, the sky is truly not the limit.

Role Overview

The primary objective of the Direct Entry Pilot is to ensure an exceptional flight experience for every passenger. The role demands performance to the highest standards, and provides a stimulating environment for career development. The pilot will be based within either the short-haul Airbus fleet or one of the long-haul fleets, dependent on experience. Beyond flying duties, diverse opportunities exist in training and pilot recruitment.

British Airways offers a comprehensive reward and benefits package, ensuring the well-being and professional growth of its employees.

Candidate Qualifications:

• Short-haul Fleet: Minimum of 500 hours of military flying time, with the ability to achieve an fATPL(A) and MCC (or exemption) by the date of joining.
• Long-haul Fleets: Minimum of 1500 hours of military flying time, including 500 hours or 100 sectors on a ZFTT qualifying aircraft, with the ability to achieve an unfrozen ATPL(A) and MCC (or exemption) by the date of joining.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Recent military (or equivalent) flying experience within the last 3 years (fixed-wing or rotary).
  • Height between 1.57m (5'2") and 1.91m (6'3"). Candidates above 1.91m may require a functionality check.
  • Excellent physical fitness and ability to meet British Airways medical standards.
  • ICAO English Language Proficiency level 6.
  • Valid passport allowing unrestricted worldwide travel, with a minimum of 12 months validity at the time of joining.
  • Tattoos are permissible, excluding those on the hands, face, or head.
  • UK CAA Class 1 flight crew medical (Military A1 status is acceptable at the point of application, but UK CAA Class 1 must be obtained before a job offer is made).
  • Right to live and work in the UK.
  • Meet the criteria of QMP as defined in CAP 2254.
  • Initiation of ATPL ground school, with the ability to achieve fATPL(A) within 18 months of application.

Applications are welcomed from qualified military pilots (QMPs) who have already left or are planning to exit the military within the next 18 months. Successful candidates will undergo an online assessment, an in-person assessment, and a simulator assessment, which will occur after the license is issued and no later than 3 months prior to the agreed start date.

Successful candidates will be provided with a company-funded type rating and will be placed on the Direct Entry Pilot pay scale. Opportunities for expedited advancement to Short Haul command are available to those with appropriate experience and aptitude.

Job offers may include the A320, A350, A380, B777, or B787, with preference given to candidates who hold a current rating on the aircraft type. Internal fleet transfers are determined based on seniority.

British Airways is committed to equal opportunities and values diversity, without discrimination based on race, religion, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

Reapplication Policy:

Candidates who are unsuccessful at any stage of the process are subject to a reapplication policy; 6 months for unsuccessful screening, video interview, capacity testing or assessment centre stages, and 12 months for unsuccessful simulator assessments.

Applicants are restricted to one application across British Airways, Euroflyer, and Cityflyer at a time. Reapplication after an unsuccessful campaign is subject to a specified waiting period.

Long-haul suitability will be assessed in simulator assessments, with a limited number of long-haul positions and A320 as the primary recruiting fleet.

Benefits of Joining British Airways:

British Airways values its employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary.
• Exceptional staff travel benefits, including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets and discounted airfares for friends and family.
• Opportunities for career progression and development across the company.
• Varied roster patterns.
• Company pension scheme.
• Life insurance benefits.
• Company-funded type rating.
• Discounts at selected retailers.
• Private medical cover, dental and critical illness cover, technology schemes, and Cycle to Work schemes.

British Airways embraces individuality, creativity, and diversity, encouraging all qualified candidates to apply.