British Airways will recruit a record number of pilots and cabin crew in 2016, increasing its flying crew to more than 20,000 for the first time in its near 100 year history.The record crew numbers will help fly the airline’s growing aircraft fleet – with 13 brand new 787-9s and A380s arriving in 2016 alone – serving 13 new short-haul and long-haul routes starting this year.
The airline plans to recruit more than 350 pilots and 1,600 cabin crew – the highest number in a single year for the airline.
All flying crew will be trained at BA’s new state-of-the-art Global Learning Academy based at Heathrow, which includes the airline’s 15 full motion simulators, and realistic short and long haul aircraft training cabins.
Captain Stephen Riley, Director of Flight Operations, said: “It’s a great time to be a British Airways pilot.
“We have excellent opportunities for new pilots with the British Airways Future Pilot Programme entering its fifth successful year, as well as the very best experienced flight crew from other airlines and the military.
“We’re extremely proud that we have more female pilots than ever before, and we are continuing our recruitment campaign to encourage more women to apply to fly commercial aircraft.”
Troy Warfield, Director of Customer Experience, said: “2016 promises to be an exciting year to join our cabin crew. Not only do we have fantastic new training facilities, new aircraft with fresh cabin interiors, but also new routes to every corner of the globe. Cabin crew are integral to the success of our airline and we are very proud of the service they provide our customers.”
The record numbers of flying crew will join the airline in a year when its plans include the delivery of 11 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and two A380s. The airline will also welcome new 787s, A350s and A320 NEOs in the coming years.