BA use the same recruitment techniques as most large firms but add the ability to learn to fly to the list. If flying ability were the main criteria then they would not use HR people for recruitment.
Ultimately BA require corporate minded people who work hard, respect the company ideals and in general lack the capacity for independent, as in non-taught, thought. The type who work hard for a 2:2 degree.
Arrogant attitude, quite possibly, but certainly no more so than the approach taken by those involved in recruitment who are in the position judge applicants aptitude for a job through questionnaires. B & Q is the most recent example of the stupidity of this practice.
The only factor in their favour is the large number of applicants for a few positions - but that does not make it right or the best solution.