Direct Entry Pilot - Aspiration for Command (BA Euroflyer)
Company Overview:
As the nation's flag carrier, British Airways proudly connects Britain with the world and the world with Britain. With a heritage spanning over 100 years, the airline has maintained a spirit of originality since launching the world's first international scheduled air service. A career within the British Airways family offers inspiring opportunities to think big and achieve ambition, where the sky is truly never the limit. BA Euroflyer, a wholly-owned subsidiary of British Airways, operates from London Gatwick, flying to over 40 destinations across Europe and North Africa. The airline is dedicated to delivering the premium British Airways service and safety standards while fostering a vibrant and energising team culture.
Role Summary:
BA Euroflyer is seeking experienced and highly skilled Direct Entry Pilots with a clear aspiration for Command. This role is ideal for a seasoned First Officer possessing strong leadership skills and a desire to role model the highest professional standards within the BA Euroflyer operation at London Gatwick. The structured pathway is designed to support and navigate successful candidates towards achieving Captain status within approximately 12 months, subject to vacancy and meeting required standards. Pilots based at London Gatwick enjoy a fixed pattern roster and bidding system designed for a genuine lifestyle balance, ensuring predictable time off and planning opportunities.
Key Responsibilities (Implicit in Role & Pathway):
- Operating flights safely and efficiently as a First Officer.
- Demonstrating strong leadership and decision-making skills.
- Adhering to the highest professional standards in line with British Airways values.
- Engaging in ongoing training and development towards achieving Captaincy.
- Contributing to the positive team culture at BA Euroflyer.
- Representing the British Airways brand with pride globally.
What We Offer:
- Competitive starting salary of £78,000 plus allowances (circa £14,332 based on 800 flying hours per year).
- Salary increase upon successful completion of command course to £115,460 plus allowances (circa £25,148), with annual incremental pay uplifts on a 15-point scale.
- Fully funded type rating courses with no bond attached.
- A newly introduced fixed pattern roster promoting lifestyle balance.
- 30 days annual leave, including single-use leave days.
- Up to 15% employer pension contribution (£11,250 in year one, £16,500 once upgraded).
- Optional benefits including technology scheme, cycle to work, and electric/plug-in hybrid car scheme.
- Access to British Airways Health Services or subsidised Class 1 medical renewals.
- Placement on the British Airways master seniority list, supporting future career development aspirations (e.g., long-haul fleets, training positions, part-time roles via annual bid).
Benefits for You and Your Family:
- Loss of Licence scheme for financial protection.
- Up to 5 x salary Life Assurance Benefits.
- Private Health Insurance with AXA PPP (family cover optional).
- Annual Bookable Concessions on Staff Travel (after 12 months) with business class space available upgrades for family and friends across the British Airways network.
- Discounted airfares, hotels, and car hire for friends and family.
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme for free advice and support (counselling, financial & legal).
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- Current UK issued CAA Flight Crew Licence (ATPL(A), fATPL(A), MPL) OR hold an EASA licence meeting the UK CAA Third Country Licence conversion requirements (route 3, 4, 5 or 6).
- A minimum of 2500 hours total time (subject to factorisation). A detailed breakdown of hours must be included in the application.
- The right to live and work in the UK.
- Height between 1.57m (5’2”) and 1.91m (6’3”). Pilots taller than 1.91m may apply but require a functionality check to confirm seating position compatibility.
- Good level of physical fitness.
- Spoken and written English ICAO level 6.
- Valid passport with a minimum of 12 months validity from contract start.
- Valid Class One Medical with a minimum of 6 months validity from contract start.
Application Notes:
- Candidates unsuccessful at initial screening, video interview, capacity testing, or assessment centre may reapply after 6 months. Candidates unsuccessful at the simulator stage must wait 12 months before reapplying.
- Applicants may only apply to one airline within the British Airways family (British Airways, Euroflyer, or Cityflyer) concurrently. Failure in one campaign prevents reapplication to any of the three until the specified re-apply period has elapsed.
- Successful candidates enter a hold pool. A maximum of 2 job offers will be extended from the hold pool. Declining a second offer results in exiting the hold pool and requiring reapplication after 12 months, including completing the full selection process again.
- Candidates who applied to the British Airways Short Haul A320 campaign and wish to be considered for the Aspiration for Command campaign should enquire via the appropriate application channels.
British Airways is an equal opportunities employer and values diversity. The company does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. This job description outlines the essential scope and nature of the role but is not exhaustive of all qualifications, skills, duties, or conditions.