British Airways Direct Entry Pilot
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 911
Likes: 31
From: At altitude surviving on bleed air.
Apologies if I'm wrong, but isn't one of the carrots the possibility to bid into LHR, albeit further down the line?
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 182
Likes: 11
From: London
The package at EF is poor, should there be shortages at LHR they may be reluctant on transferring from EF as it’s difficult to recruit for EF. It happened the same at BACF so I’m rather sceptical. I could be wrong, but the fact that they needed roadshows at LTN(snatching Wizz and Ezy crew?)and the help from recruitment agencies (not cheap) suggests there aren’t enough applicants for EF.
They should open direct entry at LHR before any consideration in allowing transfers. Speculation I know, but that’s my two cents as an observer.
I think anyone who has the expectation that they are transferring to LHR after the fleet freeze in five years, don’t know what BA is about unfortunately.
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 911
Likes: 31
From: At altitude surviving on bleed air.
You are absolutely right! But I’m not sure how is that going to work having a “parallel” operation and one master seniority list. I don’t know if it will be any different that the BA main + BACF deal. They can make these promises but historically they don’t keep them or there are caveats.
The package at EF is poor, should there be shortages at LHR they may be reluctant on transferring from EF as it’s difficult to recruit for EF. It happened the same at BACF so I’m rather sceptical. I could be wrong, but the fact that they needed roadshows at LTN(snatching Wizz and Ezy crew?)and the help from recruitment agencies (not cheap) suggests there aren’t enough applicants for EF.
They should open direct entry at LHR before any consideration in allowing transfers. Speculation I know, but that’s my two cents as an observer.
I think anyone who has the expectation that they are transferring to LHR after the fleet freeze in five years, don’t know what BA is about unfortunately.
The package at EF is poor, should there be shortages at LHR they may be reluctant on transferring from EF as it’s difficult to recruit for EF. It happened the same at BACF so I’m rather sceptical. I could be wrong, but the fact that they needed roadshows at LTN(snatching Wizz and Ezy crew?)and the help from recruitment agencies (not cheap) suggests there aren’t enough applicants for EF.
They should open direct entry at LHR before any consideration in allowing transfers. Speculation I know, but that’s my two cents as an observer.
I think anyone who has the expectation that they are transferring to LHR after the fleet freeze in five years, don’t know what BA is about unfortunately.
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 46
Likes: 1
From: UK
I suspect if not TR on the A32x, you’d be looking at a TR course no earlier than summer for LHR. Don’t hold me to that though. Once confirmed in the hold pool a kind soul might give you a slightly better idea. My understanding is if you only applied to LHR and didn’t tick yes to LGW, you won’t be offered LGW/EF.
Same advice I’d give to anyone applying for any other airline in the U.K. - don’t be handing in notices or making plans until you have a contract in your hand with a start date; expect a long and drawn out recruitment process with large gaps between applying, assessments and courses.
The only exception I can think of is Ryanair U.K. that want you on the line asap, and will process you very quickly. But this isn’t about them.
Same advice I’d give to anyone applying for any other airline in the U.K. - don’t be handing in notices or making plans until you have a contract in your hand with a start date; expect a long and drawn out recruitment process with large gaps between applying, assessments and courses.
The only exception I can think of is Ryanair U.K. that want you on the line asap, and will process you very quickly. But this isn’t about them.
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 171
Likes: 31
From: European riviera
I guess my underlying point was that things can and have changed very quickly at BA (sometimes overnight and with little warning) so this should be borne in mind by anyone applying or about to join.
Other than that, I think they’re a good company to work for provided the arrangements suit. It doesn’t suit all obviously.
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 911
Likes: 31
From: At altitude surviving on bleed air.
Doubt it very much as they'll still prioritise those who they consider are the best fit. Hope I'm wrong though!
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 183
Likes: 41
From: UK
At the end of the day, BA will do whatever suits them, just as VS did in that case. I don't believe the perceived "fairness" to those who don't yet have a contract will come into it.
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: United Kingdom
this was a contentious issue when virgin did a similar thing in the fallout of Monarch IIRC.
At the end of the day, BA will do whatever suits them, just as VS did in that case. I don't believe the perceived "fairness" to those who don't yet have a contract will come into it.
At the end of the day, BA will do whatever suits them, just as VS did in that case. I don't believe the perceived "fairness" to those who don't yet have a contract will come into it.
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: UK
Hey all
I've recently been told I was successful for A320 DEP NTR LHR hold pool... this was perhaps a couple of weeks ago. Just wondered if anyone knows how long it takes these days to get a date? Anyone know anyone who has had a call recently?
Thanks
I've recently been told I was successful for A320 DEP NTR LHR hold pool... this was perhaps a couple of weeks ago. Just wondered if anyone knows how long it takes these days to get a date? Anyone know anyone who has had a call recently?
Thanks
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: UK
Aren't they supposedly interested in the flybe slots too?
Would this affect BA DEP recruitment or something? Or is this suited to another thread...
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 911
Likes: 31
From: At altitude surviving on bleed air.
Yes, Flybe slots as well.
Not sure about affect on BA recruitment and couldn't find a more suitable thread to post it.
Guest
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 137
Likes: 31
From: Sunny Scotland
I've been in the pool since pre-covid (i.e. several years) and still no start date.
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: UK
Have you made contact to check that isn't the case for you too?
A friend of mine lately did the process and got a call 5 days later with a start date...might be worth looking into if I were you.
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 911
Likes: 31
From: At altitude surviving on bleed air.
I know folk who were in that pool and were told to reapply and begin the process again post covid.
Have you made contact to check that isn't the case for you too?
A friend of mine lately did the process and got a call 5 days later with a start date...might be worth looking into if I were you.
Have you made contact to check that isn't the case for you too?
A friend of mine lately did the process and got a call 5 days later with a start date...might be worth looking into if I were you.
Guest
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 137
Likes: 31
From: Sunny Scotland
I know folk who were in that pool and were told to reapply and begin the process again post covid.
Have you made contact to check that isn't the case for you too?
A friend of mine lately did the process and got a call 5 days later with a start date...might be worth looking into if I were you.
Have you made contact to check that isn't the case for you too?
A friend of mine lately did the process and got a call 5 days later with a start date...might be worth looking into if I were you.
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: UK
Have you asked them for an estimated start date? I've just heard another person who was successful laat week get a date... Are you currently flying?!
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: United Kingdom