British Airways | Pilot

Overview

British Airways invites aspiring pilots to join the Speedbird Pilot Academy, a flagship initiative designed to remove financial barriers to professional flight training. Successful candidates will receive comprehensive funding for approved flight school training and, upon successful completion of the course, will transition into a position as a British Airways pilot. Participants will be based at either London Gatwick or London Heathrow.

Candidate Requirements

• Age: Applicants may apply at 17, but must be between 18 and 58 years of age by January 1, 2027.
• Education: A minimum of 6 GCSEs at grade A-C or 4-9 (or equivalent), including Mathematics, English Language, and a Science.
• Language: Fluent in English. Non-native speakers must provide Academic IELTS results with a minimum overall score of 5.5, with no less than 5.5 in any individual component (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking).
• Legal Status: Possess the unrestricted right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship.
• Travel: Hold a valid passport permitting unrestricted worldwide travel.
• Physical Requirements: Height between 1.57m (5’2”) and 1.91m (6’3”). Heights outside this range may require a functionality test. Visible tattoos on the head, face, or hands are not permitted.
• Health & Safety: Ability to swim unaided (minimum 50 metres) and tread water (minimum 3 minutes).
• Medical: Ability to obtain and hold a UK CAA Class 1 medical without restrictions and meet British Airways medical criteria.
• Vetting: Successful completion of referencing, pre-employment checks, and satisfactory UK and international Criminal Record Checks prior to the commencement of training.

Selection Process

The selection process comprises three distinct stages:

• Stage 1: Initial Online Testing. Applications must be submitted by April 23, 2026.
• Stage 2: Flight School Online Testing (mid-June to end of June), In-Person Assessment Centre (end of June to beginning of August), and Online Interview (mid-August to end of August).
• Stage 3: British Airways In-Person Final Assessment Centre (mid-September to end of October).

Programme Inclusions

• Training to obtain a UK CAA fATPL.
• Accommodation and food (or food allowance).
• Subsistence allowance.
• Financial support for Class 1, 2, and 3 medical certifications.

Benefits

• Competitive salary upon graduation, plus flight, nightly, and time-away allowances.
• Comprehensive staff travel benefits, including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets and up to 30 discounted "Hotline" airfares annually.
• Company pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution).
• Private medical, dental, and critical illness cover.
• Life insurance, family leave benefits, and access to various retail/lifestyle discounts.
• Opportunities for career progression and dynamic roster patterns.

Application Guidelines

Current British Airways employees must apply via the Internal Job Portal. Candidates are limited to a maximum of three attempts at Stage 2. Invitation to the initial test will be issued within two working days of submission; once invited, candidates have two calendar days to complete the test. Applications must be submitted between April 14 and April 23, 2026.

Inclusion & Diversity

British Airways is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that values diverse representation, originality, and identity. Applications are encouraged from individuals of all backgrounds and cultures.