BMI is a major UK carrier offering routes across Europe, North America, Asia, The Middle-East and Africa. Operating a sizeable modern fleet of single and wide-body aircraft BMI offers pilots career progression across various aircraft types.

The airlines fleet mainly consists of short-haul Airbus aircraft including the A319 and A320. Longer routes are served by the A330 and 757. BMI's subsidiary BMI Regional operates the smaller Embracer aircraft for the shortest routes.

With its wide-ranging fleet BMI is a good airline for progressing from the smaller aircraft types flying short-haul routes onto larger types flying mid to long haul. BMI does provide the career pilot with these opportunities which many airlines cannot.

BMI pilots (exc BMI Regional) are either based at London Heathrow or Manchester airports. Heathrow serves significantly more routes including most of the longer haul routes. A pilot's base can significantly impact on the variety of routes one flies.

BMI only recruits fully qualified pilots with a frozen ATPL as the minimum. The airline does not run any cadet or part sponsorship schemes.

First Officers with varying experience are considered. Direct entry captains will typically need above 3500 hours to stand a realistic chance. The typical recruitment process includes an interview with current pilots followed by a simulator assessment.

Salaries for captains range from £70K to little over a £100K. First Officers can expect between £40K and £70K depending on experience. 45 days annual leave is the current allowance with a maximum of 2 weeks to be taken t a time.