02 July 2025

British Airways | First Officer

Heathrow, England, United Kingdom

British Airways Direct Entry Pilot – Boeing 787 First Officer

Overview

As the nation's flag carrier, British Airways proudly connects Britain with the world and the world with Britain. With over 100 years of history, dating back to the world's first international scheduled air service, originality is deeply ingrained in the airline's spirit. This shared spirit extends to its customers, partners, and colleagues. British Airways believes great achievements happen when individuals are inspired to think big and bring ambition to work every day, ensuring that the sky is never the limit.

The Role

British Airways is inviting applications for the position of Direct Entry Pilot – Boeing 787 First Officer. The successful candidate will place the customer at the heart of everything they do, striving to provide the very best flight experience possible for each passenger. This role demands world-class flying standards, challenging the pilot daily to perform to the highest level in the dynamic and exciting life of a commercial pilot.

British Airways offers a flexible and dynamic career path. Pilots' lifestyles are valued, and alongside flying roles, there are numerous opportunities within the airline, including training and recruitment. All British Airways pilots have the opportunity to bid for different fleets and Command positions through an annual bid process.

In addition to career development opportunities within British Airways, pilots gain access to a competitive reward and benefits package.

Experience and Requirements

Candidates applying for the Direct Entry Pilot – Boeing 787 First Officer position must meet the following essential requirements:

  • Currently flying the Boeing 787 and have flown this type within the last 12 months.
  • Hold a current UK issued CAA Flight Crew Licence ATPL (A), or hold an EASA ATPL (A) licence and meet the “Third Country CPL and ATPL licence conversion requirements” as set out by the UK CAA (route 3, 4, 5 or 6).
  • Hold a valid Class 1 medical certificate.
  • Height between 1.57m (5’2”) and 1.91m (6’3”). Qualified pilots taller than 1.91m may apply but will need to pass a functionality check to confirm they can meet the seating position requirements across British Airways fleets.
  • Demonstrate a good level of physical fitness.
  • Hold Spoken and Written English ICAO level 6 proficiency.
  • Possess a valid passport with a minimum of 12 months validity remaining before expiry.

Pilots holding an EASA licence who previously held a UK Part-FCL licence should provide a copy of their previous UK licence or proof of completing training in the UK resulting in a UK licence in the application's supporting files section.

Job offers will primarily be for the Boeing 787 fleet. British Airways has a long-term strategy to move towards operating a single Boeing fleet, encompassing the Boeing 777, 777X, and 787 aircraft. Opportunities for moves to other fleets will be managed via the internal fleet move system and awarded based on seniority. Boeing 777 offers may be made if the number of successful applicants exceeds the available 787 positions.

Important Notes

Candidates unsuccessful at initial screening, video interview, capacity testing, or assessment centre stages are eligible to reapply for the pilot recruitment campaign after 6 months from their most recent assessment date. Candidates unsuccessful at the SIM stage must wait 12 months before reapplying.

Applicants may only apply to one airline within the British Airways family (British Airways, Euroflyer, or Cityflyer) simultaneously. If unsuccessful in one campaign, reapplication to any of the three airlines is not possible until the specified re-apply period has passed.

Successful candidates will be placed in a hold pool. Candidates in the hold pool will receive a maximum of two job offers. Declining a second job offer will result in exiting the hold pool and requiring reapplication after 12 months, completing the entire selection process again.

What British Airways Offers

British Airways values all colleagues for their contribution, providing rewards that extend beyond a competitive salary. From the start, employees gain access to excellent staff travel benefits, including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights. Additionally, up to 30 discounted 'Hotline' airfares per year are available for the employee, friends, and family.

British Airways encourages continuous growth and development. Pilots have the opportunity to take on new challenges and explore diverse roles across the business, fostering career progression. The airline is constantly evolving, and it expects its people to do the same.

Benefits include:

  • Dynamic Career Path
  • Varied Roster Patterns (night stops, day trips, and tours)
  • Company pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution)
  • Eligibility for extensive British Airways worldwide staff travel
  • Greater choice of 5 different fleet types (after initial freeze period)
  • Life insurance benefits
  • Company-funded conversion course/type rating (not bonded)
  • Discounted airfares for friends and family
  • Discounts at selected car hire, hotels, and retail stores
  • A range of voluntary benefits for employees and family members
  • Private medical cover, Technology scheme, Cycle to Work, and Electric/Plug-in Hybrid car scheme

Inclusion & Diversity

British Airways recognises the unique value, originality, creativity, and identity that each colleague brings to the workplace. The airline actively encourages individuals from all backgrounds to join its journey towards becoming a Better BA.

Minimum Criteria To Apply

Candidates must hold either:

A UK Part-FCL ATPL (or meet the criteria to upgrade to an ATPL during type rating)

or

An EASA licence and meet the “Third Country CPL and ATPL licence conversion requirements” as set out by the UK CAA (route 3, 4, 5 or 6).

Guidance on Third Country CPL and ATPL licence conversion requirements from 1 January 2023 is available from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This guide assists in obtaining a UK Part-FCL licence based on a Third Country ICAO licence.

To be considered, applicants must be actively flying the Boeing 787 exclusively. Pilots licensed on Boeing 777/787 but currently only flying the Boeing 777 are not eligible for this specific opportunity.

British Airways is an equal opportunities employer and values diversity. Discrimination based on race, religion, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status is not tolerated. This job description provides essential information regarding the scope, nature, and level of work for this position but is not an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions.

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