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Pilot

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Location London City Airport

Every 90 seconds, a British Airways aircraft takes off from somewhere around the globe. Our pilots take millions of customers to hundreds of amazing international destinations every year, doing it in one of the most modern and fuel-efficient fleets of any airline in the world. Wherever they’re travelling to, our Captains and First Officers take great pride in creating unique experiences for our customers and extending a big British welcome to everyone who flies with us. It’s part of our identity as the nation’s flag carrier, and it’s what makes us different.

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Reference 11323 Closing date 19/12/2025 Brand BA Cityflyer Career area Pilots Contract type Permanent Full Time Location London City Airport Download job description


Job Description

BA Cityflyer Aspiration to Command

This is a key time to be joining BA Cityflyer as we Build a Better Cityflyer. We take huge pride in our past but we’re looking to the future as an airline that loves embracing the best of modern Britain. Our country’s creativity, diversity, style, wit and warmth are the same special qualities that make us who we are. If you’re made of the same qualities as us, you could soon be part of the next chapter of our story.

Are you an experienced First Officer ready to take the next step?

At BA Cityflyer, we’re looking for Direct Entry Pilots with the skills, energy, and ambition to grow into leadership and take command. You’ll play a key role in delivering an exceptional flight experience for our business and leisure customers flying them right into the heart of London. If you’re passionate about aviation and ready to make a real impact, this is your opportunity to fast-track your career and become a Captain.

This is more than just a flying job. It’s your opportunity to join a close-knit team, fly a modern fleet, and be part of a company that’s committed to your development.

As a DEP, you will join the fleet and our pathway is designed to support and navigate you to success as a Captain at BA Cityflyer within 12- 18 months (subject to vacancy, and meeting the standards required).

If you’re looking for a career that moves fast, supports your growth, and puts you at the centre of one of the world’s most exciting cities we’d love to hear from you.

As the leading airline at London City, we fly into a variety of destinations throughout Europe and the UK.  You’ll be expected to work flexibly within a tight knit team to deliver our dynamic seven-day-a-week operation. Operating business, charter and leisure flights on a varied roster including day trips, night stops and tours.

Operating the Embraer 190 primarily from London City Airport, with its high value and sophisticated customer base, we fly in and out of one of the world’s most challenging operating environments. Therefore, our pilots are required to maintain the highest professional standards.

The drive to provide industry defining standards of customer service in a demanding yet exciting environment is the aspiration we look for in our high calibre pilots.

Why BA Cityflyer?

  • Clear Path to Command: Our DEP programme is designed to support your journey to Captain within 12–18 months (subject to vacancies and performance).
  • Bidding system and swap function to tailor your schedule.
  • Leadership-Focused: We’re looking for First Officers with strong leadership skills and the drive to role model excellence across our operation.
  • Fly into London’s Heart: Operate from London City Airport, offering a unique and dynamic flying experience.
  • Supportive Culture: Join a team that values professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What We Offer

  • Permanent contract: full terms and conditions which are effective from your first day of employment.
  • Starting salary of £67,799 (this is made up of basic pay and non pensionable pay)  plus circa £ 11,700 in allowances
  • On successful completion of your command course your salary will increase to £105,651 plus allowances, circa £16,300, with annual incremental pay uplifts on a 15 point pay scale.
  • Fully funded type rating – bond attached
  • 30 days annual leave, increasing to 35 days on 7-years completed service including single-use leave days
  • Company pension up to 12% employer pension contribution 
  • Access to BA Health Services or subsidised Class 1 renewals
  • Medical and licence renewals paid by BA Cityflyer.
  • Company car leasing scheme.
  • Cycle to Work

Benefits for You and Your Family

  • Loss of Licence scheme
  • Life Assurance
  • Private Health Insurance with AXA Health
  • Annual Bookable Concessions  with business class upgrades and unlimited standby tickets (after 12 months)
  • Discounted travel, hotels & car hire
  • Employee Assistance Programme – free support including counselling and financial advice.

With our commitment to sustainable employment, we are an equal opportunities employer and value diversity at BA Cityflyer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position. 

The minimum criteria to apply are:

  • UK-issued CAA ATPL (A), fATPL (A), MPL or EASA licence meeting UK CAA conversion routes (3, 4, 5 or 6).
  • Minimum 2500 hours total time to include minimum of 1000 hours multi crew aircraft. Recent on previous type within the last 6 months
  • The right to live and work in the UK.
  • Height between 1.57m (5’2”) and 1.91m (6’3”). Qualified pilots taller than 1.91m may submit an application but will be required to undergo a functionality check to confirm their ability to meet requirements of the seating positions in the BA Cityflyer fleet.
  • ICAO English language proficiency level 
  • Valid passport (minimum 12 months before expiry date)
  • Valid Class 1 Medical (valid for 6 months after date of joining)
  • E-Jet type rating desirable but not essential

Supporting Files

Please add a copy of your licence and last 3 pages of your logbook to the supporting files section before submitting your application.

Third Country CPL and ATPL licence conversion requirements from 1 January 2023 | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

Hours and ratings will be checked during screening and at assessment.

Please read the job description for the full criteria.

Additional Information

  • Reapply periods: 6 months (initial stages), 12 months (SIM stage)
  • Apply to only one BA Group airline at a time

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 is 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.

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Inspired to fly

Our incredible and diverse team of pilots are driven by passion. Find out what it means to embark on a career in the skies with British Airways.

Success Profile

It takes something special to work for the nation's flag carrier. Here are some of the qualities we're looking for in a British Airways Pilot.

  • Responsible
  • Resilient
  • Committed
  • Customer orientated
  • Adaptable
  • Inspiring
Why british airways

Why British Airways?

Change is always in the air at British Airways. Our story is one of endless innovation and transformation, and our pilots play a huge part in helping us evolve. It’s not just that they’re flying some of the most technologically-advanced aircraft to an ever-expanding network of destinations around the world. We empower our colleagues to take ownership of their role, push original ideas forward and find new ways to help us serve our passengers – all while delivering the exceptional service that our customers expect.

We also recognise that every one of our pilots - from our newest Cadet to most experienced Captain - has had their own unique journey to the flightdeck. We celebrate these differences and always encourage our people to showcase their individual personalities and skills. However, we also understand what unites us; a pride to wear the iconic British Airways uniform, and a dedication to delivering excellence in everything we do. In return, we make sure our colleagues feel truly valued for who they are and what they contribute.

Career Path

  • Senior First Officer
  • Captain
  • Training Co-Pilot/Captain
  • Training Standards Captain
  • Management roles
  • Project work: Recruitment/ Training/Sustainability
  • Operational management
Lovjinder G.

British Airways is a diverse airline, and I've had the pleasure of working with many different people from all types of backgrounds. There are many perks to the job, from new challenges, to exploring the world but, particularly, being able to be involved in projects outside of the flight deck.

Lovjinder G.

Senior First Officer

Rewards & Benefits

Staff travel

Staff travel

You’ll get access to discounted ‘Hotline’ tickets for yourself, friends, and family from day one, along with unlimited standby and premium standby fares for you and your nominees and an Annual Bookable Concession on completion of six months of service.

Pension

Pension

We offer a market-leading defined contribution (DC) pension. Enrolled at 2% employee contributions and 7% employer with an option to increase.

Gymflex

Gymflex

We’ll pay the cost of an annual membership upfront, which will then be deducted from your pay over 12 months. Colleagues on a permanent contract will be eligible for this benefit after three months.

Flexible benefits

Flexible benefits

Choose from benefits including critical illness cover, childcare vouchers, cycle to work, additional life insurance cover, private medical insurance, dental plan, and healthcare cash plan.

Electric car scheme

Electric car scheme

Colleagues can access a brand new, fully maintained and insured electric car for a fixed monthly amount. Available through salary sacrifice offering tax and NI savings. You’ll be eligible for this benefit after 12 months.

Heathrow Express

Heathrow Express

Whether you are commuting to Heathrow or heading off on holiday, you’ll be entitled to buy Express Saver tickets with a 75% discount.

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