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.
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 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.
British Airways seeks pilots who meet the following criteria:
Applications are invited from QMPs who have already left or are planning to exit the military within the next 18 months.
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.
British Airways values its colleagues, offering rewards that extend beyond a competitive salary. Benefits include:
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.