British Airways have launched their first Future Pilot Programme for a decade as they are looking to recruit 800 pilots by 2016.
BA are in the process of expanding and with the imminent introduction of new aircraft types to the fleet including the 787 and A380 the airline has a pressing need for new pilots.
This is an exciting time for both BA and aspiring pilots as they look to fill approximately 400 positions with new pilots from their Future Pilot Programme.
The remaining 400 positions will be filled from a combination of experienced pilots and military pilots through a new joint initiative with the military.
New pilots from the programme will initially be placed on one of their single aisle types flying short haul routes out of one of their London hubs before being given the opportunity to progress to long haul once they reach the required level of experience.
It has been a long time since BA has offered any sponsored programmes for new pilots and their new Future Pilot Programme is long over due. The format of the programme closely resembles that of other airlines offering similar schemes such as Easyjet and Ryanair.
BA will place successful candidates to one of three approved Flight Training Organisations (FTO) including Oxford Aviation, Flight Training Europe (FTE) and CTC Aviation.
Candidates will be given the opportunity to choose which FTO they wish to train at. The main difference includes training locations. CTC train their pilots both in the UK and New Zealand, FTE is exclusively in Spain whereas Oxford Aviation training is based in Oxford and the USA.
Each FTO will train the student up to and including their frozen ATPL, Jet Orientation Course and Type Rating. Successful trainees will be ready to start flying for BA.
The cost of training will be covered with a security bond totalling £84,000 through BA's partner Airline Placement Limited (APL). Successful candidates will then land a job at BA and will pay back this bond through their salary over a seven year period.
The programme is expected to be well oversubscribed so selection will be extremely competitive.
Applications will initially be assessed by the FTO the applicant selects. Each FTO have their own selection criteria but all will be looking for exceptional candidates capable of being future BA captains.
Each FTO will hold their own assessment days and successful candidates will be sent to BA's selection centre near Heathrow for one last day of interviews before being offered a position with BA.
The scheme is open for anyone aged between 18 and 55 holding seven GCSEs, three A-levels or an Honours Degree. Candidates will of course require the right to work in the UK and is able to travel globally with a valid passport.
This is a unique opportunity for aspiring pilots to fly for BA, one of the worlds biggest and premier airlines. This is not just for school leavers or new graduates, but is also open to older people looking for an exiting new career!
If you are serious about becoming a pilot and do not have the funds, then this is a chance not be missed! Visit the BA website for more information.
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