BA begins recruitment of newly qualified pilots

British Airways is reopening its Newly Qualified Pilot Pathway (NQPP) programme to recruit freshers in the pilot profession.The programme is a departure from the conservative airline that erstwhile required years of experience at a smaller airline, as the path to flying for British Airways.

Flight Training News reported that the recruitment will be available to newly qualified pilots trained under a modular or integrated course at an Approved Training Organisation (ATO).

Candidates must meet the following criteria: 85 per cent ground school average with no more than three resits, first-series CPL & IR pass (Series 1, Attempt 1 or Series 1, Attempt 2), APS MCC (Airline Pilot Standards Multi Crew Cooperation), attended no more than three training providers for the following phases of training: Ground School, CPL/IR and APS MCC, and to hold a UK CAA Class 1 medical and meet British Airways medical criteria.

According to British Airways, “This is a key time to be joining British Airways as we Build a Better BA. We take huge pride in our past, but we are looking to the future as an airline that loves embracing the best of modern Britain. Our country’s creativity, diversity, style, and warmth are the same special qualities that make us who we are.”

The airline opened its NQPP programme last summer too – at the same time, it launched its ‘Whitetail’ recruitment initiative that gives trainee pilots a pathway into the company. If successful, pilots would start their careers flying Airbus A320s at BA Euroflyer. You can only apply for one airline (British Airways, BA Cityflyer, BA Euroflyer) at a time.

BA has taken a proactive approach to finding the next generation of pilots with initiatives such as its Speedbird Pilot Academy, which supports up to 60 young candidates annually by covering the £100,000 training costs and providing accommodation and food.