Airlines

Apply Now: British Airways Opens 2024 Graduate and Apprenticeship Schemes

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British Airways has officially opened applications for 270 graduate and apprenticeship positions for 2024, offering exciting opportunities in a variety of fields, from customer service and aircraft maintenance to digital roles.

This marks an important step in the airline’s ongoing efforts to attract fresh talent and build a skilled workforce for the future. One of the key highlights of this year’s recruitment drive is the introduction of the new Digital Graduate scheme.

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Successful applicants will play a pivotal role in supporting British Airways’ £7bn transformation plan, focusing on modernising and upgrading the airline’s IT infrastructure to enhance the customer digital experience.

This initiative is part of the airline’s broader strategy to stay at the forefront of innovation in the aviation industry.

Graduates can apply for one of nine two-year schemes, with options available in Engineering, Finance, and Commercial Business. In addition to these graduate positions, there are also 11 apprenticeship schemes on offer, including Business Professional and Ground Operations roles.

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Three of these apprenticeship positions will be based across the UK in key locations: Customer Service Advisor roles in Manchester and Aircraft Maintenance positions at British Airways’ hangar facilities in Glasgow and Cardiff.

The airline has seen a significant increase in applications for both graduate and apprenticeship schemes in recent years, particularly following the pandemic. In 2023, british airways received over 20,000 applications—a rise of almost 10,000 from the previous year.

Graduate applications surged by 86%, while apprenticeship applications grew by 61%, underscoring the growing interest in careers in aviation.

To further support aspiring aviation professionals, British Airways encourages candidates to register on ‘Speedbird-Z’, its free online careers platform. Since its launch in 2019, Speedbird-Z has welcomed over 40,000 active users, offering them direct contact with experienced professionals from across the airline.

The platform provides valuable learning resources, industry insights, and confidence-building skills to help users embark on successful careers in aviation.

For those interested in exploring a career with British Airways, the airline’s Strategic Resourcing Team has actively participated in nearly 350 career and job fair events throughout 2024, meeting around 70,000 young people to inspire them to pursue careers in aviation.

With applications now open, aspiring graduates and apprentices have the opportunity to join a dynamic and forward-thinking team at one of the world’s leading airlines.

Airlines

Sanctions & Engine Issues Ground Half of Russia’s A320neo fleet

Russia’s aviation sector, already strained by Western sanctions, faces another setback as nearly half of its Airbus A320neo family aircraft are grounded due to unresolved engine issues.

This development highlights the growing challenges for russia commercial aircraft in maintaining their fleets under the weight of global restrictions and limited access to spare parts.

Out of the 66 Airbus A320neo and A321neo jets in Russia, 34 are now out of service, according to the Kommersant business newspaper. These planes are powered by engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation.

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The engines are affected by a previously identified defect in the metal used for certain parts, prompting accelerated inspections and maintenance.

Sanctions have compounded the issue, blocking the supply of essential components from major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. Without proper maintenance, experts warn that these aircraft may face decommissioning as early as 2026.

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Airlines like S7, which operates a significant portion of these grounded jets, plan to conserve the engines for future use during peak travel seasons. However, reports suggest that over 20 of S7’s Airbus planes have engines that have already reached the end of their operational lifespan. Recently, russia seeks assistance from kazakhstan’s airlines to bolster its domestic flights.

While some A320neo and A321neo planes in Russia are equipped with French-made LEAP engines, which are seen as less problematic, the challenges remain daunting.

The situation underscores the long-term impact of sanctions on Russia’s aviation sector and the increasing difficulties in keeping its modern fleets operational.