British Airways employs approximately 4,000 pilots worldwide and operates flights every 90 seconds globally. Successful candidates from the academy will be placed at either London Gatwick or London Heathrow Airport after completing their training.

The selection process consists of three stages: online testing in February and March, followed by flight school assessments until June, and concluding with an in-person final assessment with British Airways from mid-June to July's end.

Applicants must meet several criteria including age limits (17-55), educational qualifications (6 GCSEs grade A-C or equivalent), English proficiency, legal work rights in the UK, physical requirements such as height and swimming ability, and passing medical and background checks.

Once trained, new pilots enjoy various benefits such as competitive salaries, discounted airfares for family and friends, career development opportunities, pension schemes, life insurance options, and more.

For those interested in joining British Airways through alternative routes like military transitions or self-sponsored pathways post-instrument rating completion can also explore opportunities with BA Cityflyer or other short-haul operations within the company’s extensive network.