BA Cityflyer – Aspiration to Command – London City

BA Cityflyer is recruiting experienced First Officers for its Aspiration to Command pathway at London City Airport, offering a structured route towards Captain within approximately 12–18 months.

The opportunity is aimed at pilots with substantial multi-crew experience who are ready to take the next step towards command while operating the Embraer 190 from one of the UK’s most distinctive airports.

BA Cityflyer Aspiration to Command

Successful applicants join BA Cityflyer initially as experienced First Officers, with the pathway designed to support progression to Captain within 12–18 months, subject to vacancies, performance and meeting the required command standards.

The role is based at London City Airport and operates the Embraer 190 across a mixture of business, leisure and charter routes throughout the UK and Europe.

Experience requirements

• Minimum 2,500 hours total flight time.
• Minimum 1,000 hours on multi-crew aircraft.
• Recent flying experience on your previous aircraft type within the last six months.
• E-Jet type rating is desirable but not essential.

Licence and medical requirements

• UK CAA ATPL(A), frozen ATPL(A) or MPL; or an eligible EASA licence meeting the applicable UK CAA conversion route.
• Valid Class 1 Medical Certificate, valid for at least six months after joining.
• ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 6.
• Valid passport with at least 12 months remaining.
• Unrestricted right to live and work in the UK.

Command progression

BA Cityflyer describes this as a structured pathway towards command, with progression to Captain targeted within approximately 12–18 months for pilots who meet the required standards and where command vacancies are available.

The airline provides a fully funded type rating where required, although a training bond applies.

Salary and benefits

The published starting salary is £70,347 per year, comprising basic and non-pensionable pay, plus approximately £11,700 in allowances.

On successful completion of the command course, BA Cityflyer states that salary increases to £110,934 plus approximately £16,300 in allowances, with further annual progression through a 15-point pay scale.

• Permanent full-time contract.
• Employer pension contribution of up to 12%.
• Medical and licence renewals paid by BA Cityflyer.
• Loss of Licence scheme.
• Private medical insurance.
• Staff travel benefits.
• Company car leasing scheme.

London City operation

BA Cityflyer operates the Embraer 190 from London City Airport, with flying including day trips, night stops and tours across its UK and European network.

Operating from London City offers pilots a distinctive short-haul environment and the opportunity to develop experience within a close-knit regional operation.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted through the official British Airways careers website before the published closing date of 4 December 2026.

Applicants should upload a copy of their pilot licence and the latest three pages of their logbook when completing their application.