B777 First Officer
About the role
A career without limits
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 role: Direct Entry Pilot – Long-haul - UK CAA licence holder
The customer is at the heart of everything that we do. Your goal will be to provide the very best flight experience possible for each passenger. Wherever you are going, your flying will be world class. The life of a commercial pilot is exciting, and you’ll be challenged every day to perform to the highest standards.
As a pilot in British Airways, your career path is never defined. Starting on one of our 4 long-haul fleets you will be able to choose if you want to transfer to another long-haul fleet or our short-haul fleet to become a captain. Your lifestyle is important to us and with a huge variety of roles outside of flying, from training to recruiting the pilots of the future, there are countless opportunities.
Not only will you have the chance to further your career development within BA, but you’ll also have access to our competitive reward and benefits package.
Work-life balance
With nearly 70 long-haul aircraft on order this is an exciting time to join our pilot community.
We’ve recently introduced significant roster enhancements to give our pilots greater flexibility and balance. Expect more time to rest after blocks of work, reduced monthly flying targets, shorter working blocks, and fewer standby periods. Plus, we’ve increased opportunities for guaranteed days off.
Requirements
- Current type rating* with a minimum of 1500 hours total time. This must include a minimum of 500 hours on a relevant aeroplane type** and may include a maximum of 100 hours in a suitable simulator
- Flying experience on a relevant aeroplane type within the past 12 months***
- UK Part-FCL licence (ATPL(A) or meet the hours requirements to obtain an ATPL(A)****)
- UK issued CAA Class 1 medical certificate with at least 6 months validity remaining from date of joining
- 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 variety of BA fleets
- Good level of physical fitness
- Spoken and written English ICAO level 6
- Valid passport (minimum 12 months before expiry date)
- Able to comply with British Airways' uniform standards - tattoos are permissible as long as they are not on the hands, face or head
- Ability to swim 50m (55 yards) followed by treading water for 3 minutes and be able to assist people in water
Package highlights
- 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: We offer a market-leading defined contribution (DC) pension. Enrolled at 2% employee contributions and 7% employer with an option to increase.
- 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: 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: 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: Whether you are commuting to Heathrow or heading off on holiday, you’ll be entitled to buy Express Saver tickets with a 75% discount.
Want to start your British Airways career from zero hours?
British Airways runs the Speedbird Pilot Academy — a fully funded integrated ATPL program covering the entire training cost of approximately £100,000. If you're at the beginning of your aviation career rather than applying for this direct entry position, the cadet route may be the path for you.
Read about the Speedbird Pilot Academy on our cadet programs guide →
