Originally Posted by
Northern Monkey
I'd be interested to know how easy it would be in practice for BA to sponsor employment visas for pilots. The going rate requirements for skilled workers would probably render low hours pilots/cadets ineligible for a visa under current rules. It might be easier for experienced applicants, but then, are there really hoards of suitably experienced EU pilots just desperate to come and work in the UK at the moment, with all the hassle that goes with it?
I would imagine it would more appeal for those from places such as South Africa and South America more than the rest of EU. Saying that, compared to some of the Eastern European based airlines and the conflict going on nearby BA and the U.K. would seem a safe option too.
BA or other airlines would have to prove they’ve exhausted all options within the U.K. before the visa process even begins. More likely to see sponsored schemes going on now similar to TUI MPL and having a continuous supply coming in young.
it certainly limits the ability for growth though, as Virgin are also finding out with their crewing issues.