British Airways Direct Entry Pilot – First Officer (Long Haul Fleets)
About British Airways
British Airways, the United Kingdom's esteemed flag carrier, takes immense pride in its century-long legacy of connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain. Since launching the world's first international scheduled air service, the spirit of originality and pioneering excellence has been intrinsic to the company's ethos. This commitment extends to its valued customers, partners, and colleagues, fostering an environment where ambition is encouraged, and career possibilities are boundless. At British Airways, the sky truly is not the limit, but merely the beginning of a rewarding aviation career.
The Opportunity: Direct Entry First Officer (Long Haul Fleets)
British Airways invites highly skilled and dedicated pilots to join its prestigious Long Haul Fleets as a Direct Entry First Officer. This pivotal role places the customer experience at its heart, challenging the successful candidate to deliver world-class flight service and operational excellence on every journey. The dynamic life of a commercial pilot at British Airways offers daily challenges and requires adherence to the highest professional standards.
Career Progression and Lifestyle
A career as a British Airways pilot offers unparalleled flexibility and development. First Officers typically commence their journey on one of the company's four long-haul fleets, with subsequent opportunities to transfer to other long-haul fleets or the short-haul fleet. This pathway facilitates progression towards Captaincy. Beyond the cockpit, numerous career avenues exist, including roles in pilot training, recruitment, and various other operational functions, ensuring a well-rounded and fulfilling professional life. Successful candidates will not only advance their aviation careers but also gain access to a competitive reward and benefits package.
Qualifications & Experience
Prospective candidates for the Direct Entry First Officer position must meet stringent criteria to ensure the continued excellence of British Airways' flight operations.
Experience Requirements:
- A minimum of 1500 hours total flight time is required at the time of online application submission.
- This must include at least 500 hours or 100 sectors on an aircraft type that satisfies Zero Flight Time Training (ZFTT) requirements.
- Candidates must have flown the qualifying aircraft type within the last 12 months.
Licence Requirements:
- Possession of a current UK Part-FCL ATPL(A).
- Alternatively, candidates with over 1500 hours total time who meet the criteria to upgrade to an ATPL(A) are eligible. Any pending ATPL upgrade will be completed during the type rating.
- Candidates holding an EASA licence must satisfy the "Third Country CPL and ATPL licence conversion requirements" as stipulated by the UK CAA (specifically routes 3, 4, 5, or 6).
- For those with an EASA licence who previously held a UK Part-FCL licence, a copy of the previous UK licence or proof of UK-based training and UK licence award should be uploaded with the application.
Minimum Criteria:
- Current UK issued CAA Flight Crew Licence: ATPL(A), fATPL(A), or MPL (with the necessary hours to upgrade to an ATPL), or an EASA licence meeting UK CAA conversion requirements.
- Valid Class 1 Medical Certificate.
- Height between 1.57m (5’2”) and 1.91m (6’3”). Pilots exceeding 1.91m may apply but will undergo a functionality check to confirm their ability to operate seating positions across various BA fleets.
- Demonstrated good level of physical fitness.
- Spoken and written English proficiency at ICAO Level 6.
- A valid passport with a minimum of 12 months before its expiry date.
- Tattoos are permissible, provided they are not located on the hands, face, or head.
Fleet Information and Operating Bases
Successful candidates will predominantly receive job offers for the Boeing 777 fleet, which operates out of both London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW). Boeing 777 pilots will also operate the Boeing 777X upon its entry into service. A limited number of vacancies may be available on other fleets, with preference extended to those holding a current rating on the specific aircraft type. Internal fleet transfers are managed via the company's internal system and are awarded based on seniority. For pilots assigned to 777 LGW flights, hotel accommodation can be requested and will be provided for the day before duty and a day room after landing, subject to the flight duty period exceeding 8 hours and not being a positioning sector.
The Recruitment Process
British Airways maintains a rigorous and fair selection process for its pilot recruitment campaigns.
Upcoming Assessment Dates:
While specific dates may vary, previous assessment periods have included:
- August: Wednesday 27th
- September: Thursday 4th, Tuesday 16th, Wednesday 17th, Tuesday 30th
(Candidates are advised to check the official British Airways careers portal for the most current assessment schedule.)
Important Application Notes:
- Candidates unsuccessful at initial screening, video interview, capacity testing, or assessment centre stages may reapply for the pilot recruitment campaign after a period of six months from their most recent assessment date.
- Those unsuccessful at the simulator (SIM) stage must observe a twelve-month waiting period before reapplying.
- Applicants are restricted to applying to only one airline within the British Airways family (British Airways, Euroflyer, or Cityflyer) at any given time. Should an application be unsuccessful, reapplication to any of the three airlines is not permitted until the specified re-apply period has elapsed.
- Long-haul suitability is thoroughly assessed during the simulator assessment phase.
- Successful candidates will be placed into a hold pool. Candidates within the hold pool will receive a maximum of two job offers. Declining a second job offer will result in exit from the hold pool, necessitating reapplication after twelve months and completion of the entire selection process.
- Current BA Cityflyer Pilots are required to apply via the internal Jobsearch portal.
Rewards & Benefits
British Airways highly values the contributions of all its colleagues, offering a comprehensive and competitive rewards package that extends beyond a salary.
- Competitive Salary: Remuneration that reflects the significance of the role.
- Company Pension Scheme: Generous employer contribution of up to 15%.
- Extensive Staff Travel Benefits: Unrestricted access to basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights from day one.
- Discounted Airfares: Up to 30 'Hotline' airfares annually for personal use, friends, and family.
- Dynamic Career Path: Opportunities for advancement and diverse roles within the company.
- Varied Roster Patterns: Offering a mix of night stops, day trips, and tours.
- Fleet Choice: Greater selection across five different fleet types after an initial freeze period.
- Life Insurance Benefits: Providing financial security.
- Company-Funded Conversion Course/Type Rating: Fully funded, with no bonding requirement.
- Exclusive Discounts: Access to preferential rates at selected car hire companies, hotels, and retail stores.
- Voluntary Benefits: A range of additional benefits for employees and their family members.
- Health & Lifestyle Schemes: Includes private medical cover, a Technology scheme, Cycle to Work, and Electric/Plug-in Hybrid car schemes.
British Airways fosters an environment of continuous growth and development, encouraging colleagues to explore opportunities across the business to support their progression. The company is committed to constant evolution and expects its people to embrace similar dynamism.
Inclusion & Diversity
British Airways celebrates the unique individuality of its colleagues, recognizing the originality, creativity, and distinct identity each person brings to the workplace. The company actively encourages individuals from all backgrounds to join its journey in shaping a Better BA.
Equal Opportunities & Disclaimer
British Airways is an equal opportunities employer, committed to valuing diversity and prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. This job description serves to provide essential information regarding the scope of the role, its overall nature, and the level of work expected. It is not, however, an exhaustive list of all qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position.