British Airways Direct Entry Pilot – Boeing 787 First Officer
British Airways, the United Kingdom's esteemed flag carrier, boasts a proud legacy of over 100 years, connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain. Since launching the world's first international scheduled air service between London and Paris, British Airways has embodied a spirit of originality and pioneering innovation. This ethos extends to its colleagues, partners, and passengers, fostering an environment where ambition is celebrated, and the sky is truly never the limit.
The Role of a British Airways Pilot
British Airways invites applications for the challenging and rewarding position of Direct Entry Pilot – Boeing 787 First Officer. At the heart of this role is the commitment to delivering an unparalleled flight experience for every passenger, ensuring world-class flying standards on every journey. This dynamic career path offers daily challenges, demanding performance to the highest professional standards within an exciting commercial aviation environment.
Career Development & Culture
A career as a pilot at British Airways offers an undefined trajectory, with a vast array of opportunities beyond the flight deck, including roles in training and future pilot recruitment. The airline prioritizes its pilots' lifestyles, offering flexibility and diverse engagement. All British Airways pilots participate in an annual bid process for different fleets and Command positions, enabling career progression and choice. Beyond competitive remuneration, pilots gain access to a comprehensive reward and benefits package, fostering continuous professional development within the airline.
Key Responsibilities:
- Instrumental in the safe and efficient operation of Boeing 787 aircraft.
- Upholding British Airways' rigorous safety protocols and customer service excellence.
- Dedicated adherence to operational procedures and effective crew resource management.
- Proactive approach to enhancing the passenger journey and delivering world-class service.
Candidate Experience and Qualifications
Essential Requirements:
- Currently flying the Boeing 787 and has flown this aircraft type within the last 12 months.
- Holds a current UK issued CAA Flight Crew Licence ATPL(A), fATPL(A), or MPL (with the requisite hours to upgrade to an ATPL). Alternatively, holds an EASA licence and meets the conversion requirements stipulated by the UK CAA.
- Possesses a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate.
- Height between 1.57m (5’2”) and 1.91m (6’3”). Qualified pilots exceeding 1.91m may apply but will be required to undergo a functionality check to confirm their ability to meet the requirements of seating positions across various BA fleets.
- Demonstrates a good level of physical fitness.
- Achieved ICAO English Level 6 for both spoken and written communication.
- Holds a valid passport with a minimum of 12 months remaining before expiry.
Specific Licence Requirements:
- Pilots holding an EASA licence who previously held a UK Part-FCL licence must upload a copy of their previous UK licence or proof of UK training completion and UK licence award in the supporting files section of their application.
- Minimum Criteria To Apply:
- Holds a UK Part-FCL ATPL (or meets the criteria to upgrade to an ATPL during type rating).
- OR Holds an EASA licence and meets the "Third Country CPL and ATPL licence conversion requirements" as defined by the UK CAA (specifically route 3, 4, 5 or 6). Reference: Third Country CPL and ATPL licence conversion requirements from 1 January 2023 | Civil Aviation Authority.
- To be considered for a long-haul position, applicants must possess more than 1500 hours of flight time at the time of online application submission. This must include 500 hours or 100 sectors on an aircraft type that satisfies ZFTT, and this type must have been flown within the last 12 months.
- Applicants must be actively flying the Boeing 787 only. Pilots licensed on both Boeing 777/787 but exclusively flying the Boeing 777 are not eligible for this opportunity.
Compensation and Benefits
British Airways values its colleagues, offering a comprehensive rewards package that extends beyond a competitive salary. From the commencement of employment, First Officers benefit from exceptional staff travel privileges, including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights. Additionally, up to 30 discounted 'Hotline' airfares annually are available for the pilot, friends, and family.
Key Benefits Include:
- Dynamic Career Path and opportunities for professional growth.
- Varied Roster Patterns, encompassing night stops, day trips, and tours.
- Generous Company Pension Scheme, with up to a 15% employer contribution.
- Eligibility for extensive British Airways worldwide staff travel benefits.
- Life Insurance Benefits.
- Company-funded conversion course/type rating (not bonded).
- Discounted airfares for friends and family.
- Discounts at selected car hire companies, hotels, and retail stores.
- Access to a range of voluntary benefits for the pilot and family members, including private medical cover, a Technology scheme, Cycle to Work, and an Electric/Plug-in Hybrid car scheme.
- Greater choice of 5 different fleet types after an initial freeze period.
Application Process & Important Notes
- Unsuccessful candidates at the initial screening, video interview, capacity testing, or assessment centre stages may reapply for the pilot recruitment campaign after 6 months from their most recent assessment date.
- Candidates who are unsuccessful at the SIM stage must wait 12 months before reapplying for the pilot recruitment campaign.
- Applicants may only apply to one airline within the British Airways family (British Airways, Euroflyer, or Cityflyer) at a time. Should an application be unsuccessful, reapplication to any of the three airlines within the British Airways family is not permitted until the specified re-apply period has elapsed.
- Successful candidates will enter a hold pool. Candidates within the hold pool will receive a maximum of two job offers. Should a candidate decline their second job offer, they will exit the hold pool and be required to reapply after 12 months, completing the entire selection process once more.
Job Offer Details & Future Fleet Ambition
Job offers will primarily be extended for the Boeing 787 fleet. However, offers for the Boeing 777 may be made if the number of successful applicants exceeds the available 787 positions. British Airways harbors a long-term ambition to transition towards a single Boeing fleet operation, with Boeing pilots eventually operating Boeing 777, 777X, and 787 aircraft. Moves to other fleets will be processed via the internal fleet move system and awarded based on seniority.
Inclusion & Diversity
British Airways is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, valuing diversity across its workforce. The airline recognizes that each colleague is uniquely different, contributing their originality, creativity, and identity to the workplace. Individuals from all backgrounds are actively encouraged to join British Airways on its journey to become a 'Better BA'.
Job Specifics
- Brand: British Airways
- Career Area: Pilots
- Business Area: Experienced Pilots
- Contract Type: Permanent Full Time
- Location: Heathrow Airport, London
- Closing Date: 2nd September 2025