Senior First Officer (Direct Entry) – British Airways, London Heathrow (UK CAA)

✈️ The opportunity

We’re recruiting experienced Direct Entry Pilots at Senior First Officer level to operate across our global network. You’ll fly to hundreds of destinations, work with highly skilled colleagues on a modern fleet, and uphold the highest safety and service standards while navigating demanding day-to-day operations.

🧭 What you’ll do

• Operate as part of a multi-crew flight deck to world-class safety, compliance and performance standards.
• Deliver the best possible experience for every customer through professional, calm and collaborative decision-making.
• Conduct long-haul and short-haul operations, with initial placement on a long-haul fleet and opportunities to transfer between fleets.
• Contribute beyond line flying as your career grows—supporting areas such as training, recruitment, sustainability and operational projects.

🧰 What you’ll bring (minimum criteria to apply)

• Current type rating and at least 3,000 hours on a relevant aeroplane type (excluding simulator time).
  Relevant type: a multi‑pilot turbojet certified to CS‑25 or equivalent airworthiness code; or a multi‑pilot turboprop with MTOM ≥10 tonnes or >19 passenger seats.
• Recent experience: Flown a relevant type within the last 12 months (required for ZFTT eligibility).
• Licence: UK Part‑FCL fATPL(A) or ATPL(A). The current type rating need not be on the UK licence; however, you must hold a UK licence and must not have surrendered it to obtain an EASA/ICAO licence.
• Medical: UK CAA Class 1 with at least 6 months’ validity remaining at date of joining.
• English proficiency: ICAO Level 6 (spoken and written).
• Passport & right to work: Valid passport with ≥12 months to expiry and ability to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa.
• Height: 1.57 m (5’2″) to 1.91 m (6’3″). Taller qualified pilots may apply subject to a functionality check.
• Fitness & water survival: Swim 50 m (55 yards), tread water for 3 minutes, assist others in water, fit a lifejacket while treading water, and pull own body weight into a life raft.
• Uniform standards: Tattoos permitted provided they are not on the hands, face or head.
• Important: Apply to this campaign only if you meet the required Senior First Officer hours.

Note: If you meet fATPL(A) hours requirements, any outstanding licence upgrade must be completed during the type rating.

🎯 Assessment, placement and training

• Simulator assessment: Long‑haul suitability is assessed at the simulator stage; a short‑haul position may be offered based on final assessment outcome.
• Rank on offer: Determined by experience at the point of offer.
• SFO training: Pilots joining as Senior First Officer must complete BA’s SFO training packages within 12 months of joining.
• Type rating/conversion: Company‑funded and not bonded. Recent on‑type experience within 12 months is required for ZFTT.

🌱 Your career pathway

• Start on one of four long‑haul fleets with opportunities to transfer between long‑haul and short‑haul in line with business need and performance.
• Progress toward Captain and explore broader roles in training, recruitment, management and operational projects.

🌟 Rewards and benefits

• Staff travel: Unlimited basic and premium standby on BA; up to 30 discounted Hotline fares per year for you, friends and family; Annual Bookable Concession after 6 months’ service.
• Pension: Market‑leading defined contribution scheme. Enrolment at 2% employee / 7% employer; employer contributions available up to 15% with options to increase.
• Insurance & health: Life insurance, private medical cover, critical illness cover (flexible), dental plan (flexible) and a healthcare cash plan (flexible).
• Learning & licensing: Company‑funded conversion course/type rating (not bonded).
• Lifestyle & travel: Discounts on selected car hire, hotels and retail; 75% off Heathrow Express Saver tickets; Gymflex annual membership benefit.
• Salary sacrifice schemes: Technology scheme, Cycle to Work, and electric/plug‑in hybrid car scheme (after 12 months).
• Rostering enhancements: More rest after blocks of work, reduced monthly flying targets, shorter working blocks, fewer standby periods and more guaranteed days off.

📨 How to apply

Please apply only if you meet the Senior First Officer hours and minimum criteria listed. Ensure your application clearly states your current type rating, total and on‑type hours, last flight on type (within 12 months), licence status and medical validity.