Create lasting memories in the latest aircraft
We have invested heavily in new aircraft, including Airbus A350s and A320neos, and B777s and B787s. Which means our pilots get to fly one of the world’s most diverse fleets. You need superior flying skills to make the grade – and a special kind of mindset and approach.
When you put on the British Airways uniform, you’re a true ambassador of the brand. A role model and leader who can make such a difference to the experience of thousands of customers. This is the airline to join if you respect what it means to fly for a flag carrier – and want to give everything you have, every time you fly.
BA CityFlyer Pilots
Direct Entry Captains and First Officers: bring your impressive training record, commitment and energy to BA CityFlyer. Help us connect Britain with the world, and the world to Britain.
Experienced Pilots
Through Direct Entry, we recruit experienced pilots who are motivated by performing to the highest standards. We're looking for ambitious pilots who want to share their insight and ideas to drive innovation, impress customers and outperform the competition.
Future Pilots
The British Airways Cadet Programme is the launchpad for a career in the skies. We’re the people to train with if you want to fly customers around the world, while offering a uniquely British experience.
Military Scheme
Within two years of your exit point? Our Direct Entry Pilot Scheme (Managed Path/UK Service Pilot) is an exciting career pathway for experienced, high calibre Qualified Service Pilots from the Army Air Corps, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines and Royal Navy.
Adjustments and Special Requirements
We are committed to being a fair and inclusive employer. We take care to follow best practice and train all our assessors to a high standard. We know that sometimes people need adjustments or have special requirements during the recruitment and assessment process. If this applies to you, please let us know by indicating it on your application form when prompted, or by emailing recruitment@jobs.ba.com (quoting 'Assessment Adjustment' within the email subject header) as soon as possible. We will help wherever we can.
As members of the UK government’s Disability Confident Scheme, we are positive about employing, retaining and developing disabled people. If you apply through the Disability Confident Scheme and meet the essential criteria for the role you’ve applied for, we’ll put you through to the next stage of the recruitment process (for example, an online test). If you wish to apply through the scheme, please email recruitment@jobs.ba.com (quoting ‘Disability Confident’ and the role you're applying for within the subject header) as soon as possible.
Application Journey
There is a four step process when applying as an experienced pilot to the Direct Entry Pilot or Military Scheme.
Learn more about Adjustments and Special Requirements
1. Application
You’ll be invited to complete an online application form. Each application will be screened individually by a member of the British Airways Pilot recruitment team. Those who pass the initial screening process will be invited to attend the first selection day.
2. Two Day Selection Process
The selection process will take place over two days at the British Airways Recruitment Centre at Waterside, near London Heathrow Airport. The first day will involve a Right to Work check, followed by aptitude tests including verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and one computer based capacity assessment. Those candidates who are successful on day one will be invited to attend the second day of the selection process. This will comprise a group exercise and an interview with a British Airways Pilot and an HR colleague. Please note that these two selection days are run separately, and there is not normally the option to attend the two days concurrently.
3. Simulator Assessment
If you’re successful at the second assessment day, you’ll be invited to undergo a simulator assessment. This will take place at the British Airways Flight Training Centre, near Heathrow. The simulator assessment will be undertaken with one of our Training Pilots.
4. Hold Pool
If you’re successful at all stages of the selection process, you’ll be contacted and placed into our DEP Hold Pool until a suitable vacancy becomes available, at which time you’ll be offered a First Officer’s position with the airline. Candidates are normally offered a maximum of 12 months in the hold pool, during which we will endeavour to match you to a vacancy. We are committed to hiring the very best talent from across the industry and we cannot wait for you to join us at this incredibly exciting time.
Come Fly with British Airways and KidZania
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Pre-Employment Checks
As a company our number one priority is to maintain the safety and security of our people and our customers. Pre-employment checks on all new joiners are essential. We have specific regulatory requirements that apply to these checks, as we are an aviation business.
These checks may seem quite complex and time consuming. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide and support you through the entire process. For airside roles we need to do a full five year pre-employment check, this includes education, ALL jobs, gaps and holidays of more than 28 days, along with documentary evidence. It is important that you provide us with accurate, and in-depth information. Discrepancies cause delay and may affect your start date.
You will also need to apply for a Criminal Records Check (CRC) also known as a Disclosure Baring Service Certificate (DBSC) and an overseas CRC if you have lived abroad in the last five years. If you already have an overseas criminal record certificate that is over 10 weeks old, it is valid if you have not returned to the country of issue to reside.
Typically, the CRC or DBSC will take two weeks to be issued, the overseas CRC will vary from country to country. The Pre-employment checks for airside will typically take around 16 weeks, the time will vary depending on the number of jobs, periods of education and gaps we have to check, and validate.
We will work with you, and our 3rd Party suppliers to make sure the process is as seamless as possible. Your help is vital, and much appreciated.
Pilot Stories
