Summary
- British Airways is opening its NQPP program for newly qualified pilots, allowing them to start their careers with the airline.
- The program is available to pilots who have trained under a modular or integrated course at any ATO and meet certain criteria.
- BA is actively seeking the next generation of pilots through initiatives like the Speedbird Pilot Academy and offers apprenticeship opportunities in various departments.
British Airways has opened its newly qualified pilot pathway (NQPP) program that will allow new commercial pilots to start their careers with the British flag carrier.
BA open to newly qualified pilots
Typically, the path to flying for a legacy carrier like British Airways would involve years of experience at a smaller airline. However, as reported by Flight Training News, the airline is reopening its NQPP program, which will be available to newly qualified pilots trained under a modular or integrated course at any ATO. Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- 85% 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
- To hold a UK CAA Class 1 medical and meet British Airways medical criteria
Photo: British Airways
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 program 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.
British Airways Opens Applications For Fully-Paid Pilot Training Scheme
Creating a diverse group of pilots is essential to British Airways, and the airline is working with Fantasy Wings to reach its goals.
Other developments
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.
Photo: StudioPortoSabbia | Shutterstock
It has also been diligent in finding talent to staff other departments. During National Apprenticeship Week 2024, around 40 of the airline’s apprentices were deployed at London Heathrow to support a busy BA flight to Cape Town. The apprentices performed various roles, such as check-in, boarding, dispatch, cabin crew, and baggage handling, to give them real-life job experience.
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Rachel Iley, Director of Global Learning Academy, at British Airways, said,
“This landmark flight demonstrates the integral role apprentices play in our workforce and the opportunities available to those who join British Airways on one of our schemes. Our talented apprentices bring a fresh perspective to our airline, and their ideas and enthusiasm will help propel us into the future.”
The carrier’s apprentice scheme has been going for 13 years, offering up to 290 positions each year for young, rising talent. It saw a huge 75% increase in applications last year, with 4,500 applicants compared to 2,562 in 2022.
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