Hi all,

Any new start dates rolled out for 2020 for DEP’s?
I’ve been in the hold pool since June this year. Wonder when they’ll start the 2020 training!

I’m in the same boat as you Morris Ogg. Been in the hold pool since May...previously told to expect a start in Jan-Feb but not sure if that still holds true. Fingers crossed though!

Same here, it’s all gone very quiet. Wondering if TCX, Brexit, IA all have a bearing on 2020 requirements?

unless you have the hours and just need the type rating to unlock the licence.

Given what’s happened recently and how the workforce has been treated im amazed anyone is still actually considering the move

I take your point, but for those of us having gone through the long process that is BA recruitment, presumably because what may be on offer is still better than where we are, it’d be nice to have some idea of what may be available instead of just treading water waiting to drown. Perhaps for some the future hinges on what fleet (SH/LH) is offered, but would be nice to know.

yeh fair enough, all the best and I genuinely hope it works for you 👍

Same, been swimming since March. Last told a start date Jan/Feb and would be told Sep/poss Oct. It’s all gone very quite recently. I think the T’cook situation is likely to have a big impact on our start dates.

Any idea whether BA have actually taken on guys/girls from Thomas Cook?

TC Pilots are of particular attraction if they are A330/350 rated

Thanks to wiggy, flying11red, phantom4 and FCR...all really interesting insights :ok:

How come people in the hold pool are starting courses before those already in the pool??
As you say, are BA not process driven, therefore we should all be in order. ?
swimming since March.

I think (or at least hope) it is based on time in the pool with “all other things being equal” ie if a candidate is eligible for the 350 they may get that LH course ahead of others, or perhaps already rated on the 320 and get a shorter course. Grateful to anyone on the inside for thoughts on this. Swimming since about then also and clearly not in those categories!

A few TCX pilots have been prioritised, screened, offers made, accepted and have start dates. Mix of 320/350 offers. Not a lot and not a threat to remaining hold poolers. Don’t know exact numbers but this is from a trainer.

For 2020 the numbers vary greatly. Brexit, possible economic downturn, TCX demise, perhaps another airline going bankrupt in LGW, who knows? It all has a massive impact on recruitment. Even the IA going on will influence the bean counters. And that’s the biggest point, we need pilots, desperately. But not a single one has been approved yet by the budget. The airline is run by finances, they approve the budget and then flight OPS will try their best to make it work. Frustrating for all. We on the line feel the beating of the whip and could use the extra ladies and gents!

Before anybody asks, numbers ranging from 0 recruitment (highly unlikely) to 400 (highly unlikely) for next year. So somewhere in the middle? I joined BA 2 years ago on SH, gave up a regional jet command. Is it perfect? No, far from it. But after surviving three struggling airlines, this is a breath of fresh air!

is it hard work? Yes. Am I happy I did it? Yes. Long term vision is key. I couldn’t see myself commuting to a 6-3 pattern regional job on an old jet. 4-5 sectors a day for the rest of my career. Get in, do your thing, have fun on the line (interesting destinations and lovely people to fly with 99 out of a 100).

Just my two cents

Fully agree with this. Yes, hard work but a unified work force able to fight for (arguably) te best T and C in the industry. My only regret is not making the move 4 years previous.

Best T&C’s in the industry? That’ll be a hell of a fight to achieve this- as a new joiner you don’t even have as good a T&C as your slightly longer serving colleagues.

Additionally, if TCX holdpoolers have been prioritised that’s a bit of a joke. It’d definitely jeopardise everyone in the holdpool they’ve leapfrogged, it’s simply has to have done. At the very least it’s put them up the seniority list which in itself is a joke. I wonder if BA called everyone in the hold pool to ask if they’re still in work, or just assumed it’s only TCX crew that aren’t working since applying. I doubt it.

mate, if things like this wind you up to that extent I’d suggest BA may not be for you. You’ll need a much stronger give a “F@@k ‘ometer “ to survive at this outfit.

I suspected this a few years ago which is why I’m not there mate.

I personally thought it was to be applauded that they’ve finally showed some heart (and of course the fact they have an Airbus rating, but I’d like to think the first) and fast tracked those in desperate need for work. You know, Christmas and mortgages. In these slightly dark times, I welcome this kind of news.

Those of you swimming have my sympathy. I spent 6 months swimming as I was not Airbus rated at this time of year a few years back. My sim partner who was got in very quickly and is now around 120 places senior to me, which equates to a good year or two difference achieving a long haul command. As frustrating as it is, no point getting fussed about it as it is simply out of your control.

The information flow doesn’t get any better within the company, as those waiting for annual bid results and course dates will testify. The 2020 plan changes pretty much daily for reasons well outside recruitment’s control, but I think GS Alpha is right in that there will be jobs for all in the pool soon enough.

Yes, all of them. I have an EASA one of course. I have still slots available for the direct entry on the mainline.

I would like to know if they like profiles like mine, foreign pilot with not so much experience

Thank to everyone that will answer.
BA it’s my dream