BA Cityflyer Aspiration to Command

This is a key time to be joining BA Cityflyer as we Build a Better Cityflyer. We take huge pride in our past but we’re looking to the future as an airline that loves embracing the best of modern Britain. Our country’s creativity, diversity, style, wit and warmth are the same special qualities that make us who we are. If you’re made of the same qualities as us, you could soon be part of the next chapter of our story.

Are you a qualified First Officer with commercial flying experience, ready to take the next step into command?

At BA Cityflyer, we're looking for experienced First Officers with the skill, professionalism, and ambition to progress to command. As the leading airline at London City Airport, we offer a flying experience unlike anywhere else in the BA Group – operating a modern Embraer fleet for a premium mix of business, leisure and charter customers across the UK and Europe. If you’re passionate about aviation and ready to make a real impact, this is your opportunity to fast-track your career and become a Captain.

This is more than just a flying job. It’s your opportunity to join a close-knit team, fly a modern fleet, and be part of a company that’s committed to your development.

As a DEP, you will join the fleet and our pathway is designed to support and navigate you to success as a Captain at BA Cityflyer within 12- 18 months (subject to vacancy, and meeting the standards required).

If you’re looking for a career that moves fast, supports your growth, and puts you at the centre of one of the world’s most exciting cities we’d love to hear from you.

As the leading airline at London City, we fly into a variety of destinations throughout Europe and the UK.  You’ll be expected to work flexibly within a tight knit team to deliver our dynamic seven-day-a-week operation. Operating business, charter and leisure flights on a varied roster including day trips, night stops and tours.

Operating the Embraer 190 from London City Airport, you'll be part of a unique operation that few pilots experience. Combining premium customers, diverse flying across Europe, and the challenge of one of the industry's most distinctive airports, BA Cityflyer offers an environment where professionalism, skill and development are truly valued.

The drive to provide industry defining standards of customer service in a demanding yet exciting environment is the aspiration we look for in our high calibre pilots.

Why BA Cityflyer?

• Clear Path to Command: Our DEP programme is designed to support your journey to Captain within 12–18 months (subject to vacancies and performance).

• Bidding system and swap function to tailor your schedule.

• Leadership-Focused: We’re looking for First Officers with strong leadership skills and the drive to role model excellence across our operation.

• Fly into London’s Heart: Operate from London City Airport, offering a unique and dynamic flying experience.

• Supportive Culture: Join a team that values professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What We Offer

• Permanent contract: full terms and conditions which are effective from your first day of employment.
• Starting salary of £67,799 (this is made up of basic pay and non pensionable pay) plus circa £ 11,700 in allowances
• On successful completion of your command course your salary will increase to £105,651 plus allowances, circa £16,300, with annual incremental pay uplifts on a 15 point pay scale.
• Fully funded type rating – bond attached
• 30 days annual leave on completion of 7 years’ service, this will increase 1 day per year to a maximum of 35 days
• Company pension up to 12% employer pension contribution
• Access to BA Health Services or subsidised Class 1 renewals
• Medical and licence renewals paid by BA Cityflyer.
• Company car leasing scheme.
• Cycle to Work 

Benefits for You and Your Family

• Loss of Licence scheme
• Life Assurance
• Private Health Insurance with AXA Health
• Annual Bookable Concessions with business class upgrades and unlimited standby tickets (after 12 months)
• Discounted travel, hotels & car hire
• Employee Assistance Programme – free support including counselling and financial advice.

With our commitment to sustainable employment, we are an equal opportunities employer and value diversity at BA Cityflyer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position. 

The minimum criteria you must have to apply: 

• UK-issued CAA ATPL (A), fATPL (A), MPL or EASA licence meeting UK CAA conversion routes (3, 4, 5 or 6).
• Minimum 2500 hours total time to include minimum of 1000 hours multi crew aircraft. Recent on previous type within the last 6 months
• The right to live and work in the UK.
• Height between 1.57m (5’2”) and 1.91m (6’3”). Qualified pilots taller than 1.91m may submit an application but will be required to undergo a functionality check to confirm their ability to meet requirements of the seating positions in the BA Cityflyer fleet.
• ICAO English language proficiency level 6
• Valid passport (minimum 12 months before expiry date)
• Valid Class 1 Medical (valid for 6 months after date of joining)
• E-Jet type rating desirable but not essential
• The right to live and work in the UK. We are unable to offer Sponsorship for this position

Not sure if you’re eligible? If you do not yet hold a commercial pilot licence and required flying hours, this role will not be suitable.

Supporting Files

Please add a copy of your licence and last 3 pages of your logbook to the supporting files section before submitting your application.

Third Country CPL and ATPL licence conversion requirements from 1 January 2023 | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

Hours and ratings will be checked during screening and at assessment.

Please read the job description for the full criteria.

Additional Information

• Reapply periods: 6 months (initial stages), 12 months (SIM stage)

• Apply to only one BA Group airline at a time

Inclusion & Diversity

At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work.

Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.