Direct Entry First Officer (Long Haul Fleets) – British Airways Pilot Careers
A Career Without Limits at the UK's Flag Carrier
The British Airways Legacy
As the United Kingdom’s flag carrier, British Airways takes immense pride in its role connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain. This commitment to global connectivity has defined the airline for over 100 years, commencing with the launch of the world's first international scheduled air service between London and Paris. This founding spirit of originality is shared by all colleagues, partners, and customers.
British Airways believes that exceptional achievements result when individuals are inspired to think expansively and bring their full ambition to the workplace. Whether a colleague is providing reassurance on the telephone, offering a welcoming smile at the aircraft door, maintaining operational excellence beneath a wing, or expertly guiding an aircraft to far-flung destinations, every role is instrumental to the company's success. At British Airways, the sky is never considered the limit.
The Role: Direct Entry Pilot – First Officer
The core focus of this esteemed role is the provision of an outstanding and world-class flight experience for every passenger. Successful candidates will be challenged daily to perform to the highest operational and safety standards inherent in commercial aviation.
Career Progression and Opportunity
The career trajectory for a pilot at British Airways is dynamic and undefined by restrictive paths. Pilots joining on one of the four Long Haul fleets will have the ability to transfer to another long-haul fleet or to the short-haul fleet, with clear pathways available toward achieving Captaincy. Furthermore, recognizing the importance of work-life balance and career development, British Airways offers a substantial variety of ground-based roles outside of routine flying, including positions in training and recruitment, providing countless opportunities for professional growth.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
Candidates applying for the Direct Entry First Officer position must possess world-class experience and adhere rigorously to regulatory standards. Eligibility requirements are as follows:
Licensing Requirements (ATPL)
Possession of a current UK Part-FCL ATPL(A), or meeting the criteria necessary to upgrade to an ATPL(A) with more than 1,500 hours total time.
Alternatively, holding an EASA license and satisfying the "Third Country CPL and ATPL licence conversion requirements" (Routes 3, 4, 5, or 6) as stipulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Minimum Flight Time Criteria
To be considered for a Long Haul position, applicants must meet the following minimum flight hour requirements at the time of application submission:
More than 1,500 hours of total flight time.
A minimum of 500 hours on a relevant aeroplane type.
*Relevant Aeroplane Type is defined as a multi-pilot turbo-jet aircraft certified to the standards of CS-25 or equivalent airworthiness code, or a multi-pilot turbo-prop aeroplane with a maximum certificated take-off mass of not less than 10 tonnes or a certified passenger seating configuration exceeding 19 passengers.
For eligibility for Zero Flight Time (ZFT) training, applicants must demonstrate relevant aeroplane type experience within the 12 months immediately preceding the commencement of the ZFFT Conversion course.
Minimum Criteria for Application
Current UK issued CAA Flight Crew Licence (ATPL(A), fATPL(A), or MPL with the hours required for ATPL upgrade) or an EASA license meeting current UK CAA conversion requirements.
Valid Class 1 Medical Certificate.
Height requirements: between 1.57m (5’2”) and 1.91m (6’3”). Applicants taller than 1.91m may apply but must successfully undergo a functionality check to confirm their ability to operate effectively within the variety of BA fleets.
Demonstration of a good level of physical fitness.
Spoken and written English proficiency at ICAO Level 6.
Valid passport with a minimum of 12 months remaining before the expiry date.
Tattoos are permissible provided they are not visible on the hands, face, or head.
Fleet Deployment and Operations
Job offers will primarily be extended 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 exist on other fleets, with preference afforded to candidates holding a current rating on the specific aircraft type. Subsequent moves to other fleets are processed via the internal fleet move system and awarded based on seniority.
Hotel accommodation is provided for 777 LGW flights on the day preceding duty and a day room is provided after landing, provided the flight duty period exceeds 8 hours and is not a positioning sector.
Compensation and Benefits Package
British Airways highly values the contribution of all its personnel. The reward structure extends significantly beyond a competitive salary, including access to a comprehensive and attractive benefits package:
A dynamic and structured career path with opportunities for command and specialized roles.
Varied roster patterns encompassing night stops, day trips, and extended tours.
Highly competitive Company Pension Scheme, featuring employer contributions of up to 15%.
Eligibility for extensive British Airways worldwide staff travel benefits from the start date.
Unlimited basic and premium standby tickets available on British Airways flights.
Up to 30 discounted ‘Hotline’ airfares annually for use by the colleague, friends, and family.
Access to five different fleet types after the initial fleet freeze period.
Comprehensive life insurance benefits.
Company-funded conversion course and/or type rating (no bonding required).
Access to private medical cover.
A range of voluntary benefits, including a Technology scheme, Cycle to Work program, and Electric/Plug-in Hybrid car scheme.
Discounts available at selected car hire providers, hotels, and retail stores.
Recruitment and Selection Process
All candidates must note the following stipulations regarding the application and assessment process:
Candidates who were unsuccessful at the initial screening, video interview, capacity testing, or assessment centre must observe a reapplication waiting period of six months from their most recent assessment date.
Candidates who were unsuccessful at the Simulator (SIM) assessment stage must observe a reapplication waiting period of twelve months before reapplying for the pilot recruitment campaign.
Suitability for the Long Haul fleets will be thoroughly assessed during the simulator assessment phase.
Applicants may only apply to one airline within the British Airways family (British Airways, Euroflyer, or Cityflyer) concurrently. If unsuccessful in one campaign, reapplication to any of the three airlines is prohibited until the specified re-apply period has elapsed.
Successful candidates will enter a holding pool. Candidates in the holding pool are limited to a maximum of two job offers. Should a candidate decline the second job offer, they will be removed from the holding pool and required to wait 12 months before reapplying and completing the entire selection process anew.
Upcoming Assessment Dates (Example Timeline)
The following dates are examples of scheduled assessment centres: