IMPORTANT TESTING INFORMATION:
- Please note your invitation to the first test will be sent within two working days of submitting your application.
- After being invited to a test, you will have a maximum of 2 calendar days to complete it (e.g. if you are invited on a Thursday, you have until 23:59 on Saturday to complete it)
- After completing any of our 3 tests, you will receive an invitation to the next test within 24 hours of finishing the test module. Please wait for an update before contacting us to check the status of your application.
- As long as you submit your application within the advertised dates (11th-21st February), you can continue with your online testing.
Ahead of applying, we recommend you visit the preparation section of our careers page at Speedbird Pilot Academy Preparation.
British Airways
As the nation’s flag carrier, we take great pride in connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain.
It’s something we’ve been doing for over 100 years, ever since we launched the world’s first international scheduled air service between London and Paris.
This originality has been in our blood since day one. It’s the spirit we share with the people that fly with us, our partners, and our colleagues.
So, whether you are a reassuring voice on the end of a phone, a smile at the door, under a wing keeping the turbines spinning or landing us gently in far-flung places, a job at British Airways is yours to make.
We know great things can happen when you’re inspired to think big and bring your ambition to work every day, which is why, at British Airways the sky is never the limit.
The Speedbird Pilot Academy
Imagine a world where financial barriers no longer limit your dreams of becoming an airline pilot. British Airways' Speedbird Pilot Academy is revolutionising the aviation industry by making this profession accessible to dedicated individuals from all walks of life.
Successful candidates will be offered a place at an approved flight training school and, on passing the course, a position as a British Airways pilot. This will help the airline to ensure it has the right levels of future flying talent for years to come.
With initial training that can cost tens of thousands of pounds, the price of becoming a pilot has made the profession prohibitive for many. This cost will now be funded by British Airways – with a multi-million-pound investment from the airline into its next generation of pilots – making it a genuine career path for all aspiring pilots.
The airline remains committed to further increasing diversity in the aviation industry. It is determined to increase awareness and visibility of this new cadet programme, with the aim of encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
Please note that you will be based at either London Gatwick or London Heathrow.
The selection process will take place in three stages, as outlined below:
Stage 1: Initial Online Testing
Applications close on 21st February, although we will screen applications until mid-March.
Stage 2: Flight School Online Testing, In-Person Assessment Centre, Online Interview
Runs from mid-March until early June.
Stage 3: British Airways In-Person Final Assessment Centre
Scheduled from mid-June until the end of July.
Please keep these timelines in mind as you progress through the selection process.
What you'll bring
Technical skills are important, but it’s your behaviours as a BA pilot that will really set you apart. British Airways is unique, and our pilots are very passionate and enthusiastic about our purpose and the role they have in connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain.
You’ll need to demonstrate the passion and motivation to excel during the training programme, the ability to remain calm under pressure and solve problems. Your future role will also require you to be an effective team player that can make important decisions in a timely manner.
Your experience
- 17-55 years of age to apply and 18 for when you start the training. You'll be 18 on or before 1st January 2026.
- 6 GCSEs grade A-C or 5-9 including Maths, English Language and a Science or equivalent qualifications. If you have equivalent qualifications, please upload your certificates and we will gain the equivalencies from ECCTIS.
- Fluent in English (and, if applicable, an ICAO Level 6 on completion of training). Non-native English speakers, must have achieved International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Level 5.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any individual area (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking) before starting at the flight school. This must be the Academic test, not General Training.
- The right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship.
- A valid passport which permits unrestricted worldwide travel.
- Your height must be between 1.57m (5'2") and 1.91m (6'3"). Height is accurately determined during the assessment process. If you’re taller than 1.91m, you may submit an application, but may be required to undergo a functionality check.
- Visible tattoos on head, face or hands are not permitted.
- Have the ability to swim unaided (at least 50 metres) and tread water (at least 3 minutes).
- Able to obtain and hold a UK CAA Class 1 medical with no restrictions and meet British Airways medical criteria.
- Before training starts, you must have completed referencing and pre-employment checks to the satisfactory standard and supply satisfactory UK and international Criminal Record Checks.
If you don't meet the criteria above, your application will not be progressed.
What we offer
We believe that all the people who work with us should feel valued for the part they play. It’s one of the reasons our rewards go far beyond a competitive salary.
From the day you join us, you’ll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights. You’ll also receive up to 30 discounted ‘Hotline’ airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family.
At British Airways you will have the chance to take on new challenges and move forward in a way that feels right for you. We encourage all those who work for us to consider opportunities right across our business to help you develop and progress.
We never stand still, and we don’t expect our people to either.
What's included
- Training to obtain a UK CAA fATPL
- Food (FTEJerez) or food allowance (Skyborne)
- Financial support to obtain your Class 1 medical and relevant Class 2/3
Benefits we can offer you
- Company pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution)
- Great family leave benefits
Benefits as soon as you join
- Unlimited discounted airfares for your friends and family
- Discounts at selected car hire, hotels, and retail stores
- A range of voluntary benefits for yourself and family members
- Private medical cover, dental and critical illness cover, Technology scheme, Cycle to Work and Electric/Plug-in Hybrid car scheme
- Competitive salary plus your flight, nightly and time away allowance
Inclusion & Diversity
At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work.
Inclusion and Diversity are a key driver of innovation and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.
We have prepared a comprehensive FAQ document, please refer to it before contacting us.
