08 May 2025

British Airways | A320 Military Pilot

Heathrow, England, United Kingdom

British Airways Direct Entry Pilot – Military Pilot Pathway

Overview

British Airways welcomes experienced military pilots through its dedicated Military Pilot Pathway. This route offers former or current pilots from the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Army Air Corps an exciting opportunity to transition their highly valued skills and experience to commercial aviation with the UK’s flag carrier. Successful candidates join an airline renowned for its exacting standards, continuing their flying career while wearing a uniform that reflects national pride.

About British Airways

As the nation's flag carrier with over 100 years of history, British Airways connects Britain with the world and the world with Britain. The company takes pride in its pioneering spirit and shares this with its customers, partners, and colleagues. A career at British Airways is one shaped by the individual's ambition, encouraging employees to think big and reach for the highest standards.

The Role

The British Airways Direct Entry Pilot plays a crucial role in delivering world-class flight experiences for every passenger. Pilots are responsible for operating flights to the highest safety and performance standards, facing daily challenges inherent in commercial aviation. Pilots may join the short-haul Airbus fleet or, depending on previous experience, one of the four long-haul fleets (A350, A380, B777, B787). While flying is the primary duty, British Airways offers diverse career development opportunities outside the cockpit, including roles in training and recruitment. A competitive reward and benefits package accompanies the role.

Qualifications and Experience

British Airways seeks pilots who meet the following criteria:

Short-haul Fleet Applicants:

  • Minimum of 500 hours of flying time on any military type.
  • Ability to achieve a frozen ATPL(A) (fATPL(A)) and MCC (or exemption) by the date of joining.

Long-haul Fleets Applicants:

  • Minimum of 1500 hours of military flying time, of which 500 hours or 100 sectors must be completed on a ZFTT qualifying aircraft.
  • Ability to achieve an unfrozen ATPL(A) and MCC (or exemption) by the date of joining.

All Applicants Must Also Meet:

  • Previous 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 taller than 1.91m may apply but require a functionality check for seating positions in the British Airways fleet.
  • A good level of physical fitness, capable of satisfying the British Airways medical requirements.
  • ICAO English Language Proficiency level 6.
  • A valid passport (minimum 12 months before expiry at the time of joining) allowing unrestricted worldwide travel.
  • Tattoos are permissible provided they are not on the hands, face, or head.
  • Hold a UK CAA Class 1 flight crew medical certificate. (Military A1 status is acceptable at the point of application, but UK CAA Class 1 must be achieved prior to a job offer being made).
  • Right to live and work in the UK.
  • Meet the criteria of a Qualified Military Pilot (QMP) as defined in CAP 2254.
  • Have commenced ATPL groundschool and be confident in completing and receiving the fATPL(A) within 18 months of application.

Applications are invited from QMPs who have already left or are planning to exit the military within the next 18 months.

Application and Selection Process Notes

Applicants successful at Stage 1 (online assessment) and Stage 2 (in-person assessment) may receive a conditional job offer with a mutually agreed start date up to 12 months in advance. The job offer is conditional upon passing a simulator assessment, conducted after the applicant's licence is issued but no later than 3 months before the agreed start date. Successful applicants receive a company-funded type rating and join British Airways on the Direct Entry Pilot payscale. Opportunities for a fast track to Short Haul command are available for suitably experienced and apt candidates. Job offers may be made for the A320, A350, A380, B777 or B787 fleets (B777 pilots operate from LHR and LGW). Preference is given to those holding a current rating on the aircraft type. Fleet moves are processed via the internal seniority system.

Candidates unsuccessful at initial screening, video interview, capacity testing, or assessment centre stages may reapply after 6 months from their most recent assessment date. Candidates unsuccessful at the SIM stage must wait 12 months before reapplying. Candidates may apply to only one airline within the British Airways family (British Airways, Euroflyer, or Cityflyer) at a time. Failure in one campaign prohibits reapplication to any of the three airlines until the specified re-apply period elapses. Long-haul suitability is assessed during the simulator assessment; however, long-haul positions are limited, with the A320 being the primary recruiting fleet. Successful candidates enter a hold pool and are eligible for a maximum of 2 job offers. Declining a second offer results in exiting the hold pool, requiring reapplication after 12 months and completion of the full selection process.

What British Airways Offers

British Airways values its colleagues, offering rewards that extend beyond a competitive salary. Benefits include:

  • Unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights from day one.
  • Up to 30 discounted 'Hotline' airfares per year for the employee, friends, and family.
  • Opportunities for career development and progression across the business.
  • Dynamic Career Path options.
  • Varied Roster Patterns, including night stops, day trips, and tours.
  • Company pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
  • Eligibility for extensive British Airways worldwide staff travel benefits.
  • Greater choice of 5 different fleet types (after initial freeze period).
  • Life insurance benefits.
  • Company-funded conversion course/type rating (not bonded).
  • Unlimited discounted airfares for friends and family.
  • Discounts at selected car hire companies, hotels, and retail stores.
  • A range of voluntary benefits for employees and family members, including private medical cover, dental and critical illness cover, technology scheme, Cycle to Work, and Electric/Plug-in Hybrid car scheme.

Inclusion & Diversity

British Airways recognises and values the unique originality, creativity, and identity that all colleagues bring to their work. The company encourages people from all backgrounds to be part of its journey towards becoming a Better BA.

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