Aviation

British Airways Opens Doors for Newly Qualified Pilots: Apply Now!

British Airways has unveiled its eagerly anticipated Newly Qualified Pilot Pathway (NQPP) programme, offering a gateway for recently qualified commercial pilots to embark on a career with the prestigious flag carrier.

The initiative seeks individuals who meet the airline’s stringent entry criteria, reflecting its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation excellence. Prospective candidates for the NQPP programme must have completed comprehensive flying training and either possess a UK Part-FCL Licence or have initiated the licence application process with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

In case the licence conversion is not started before December 31, 2022, the applicants who possess an EASA licence must complete it through the UK CAA. Likewise, after obtaining a UK Part-FCL licence, those holding an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) licence become eligible.

Emphasizing the importance of meeting minimum criteria, British Airways underscores that applicants failing to do so will not be considered and will face a six-month application embargo. Additionally, candidates are restricted to applying to only one airline within the british airways group bookings (comprising British Airways, Euroflyer, or Cityflyer) at any given time. Unsuccessful applicants must wait for the specified reapplication period before reapplying to any of the three airlines.

To qualify for the NQPP, candidates must meet rigorous standards, including an 85% ground school average with a maximum of three resits, successful completion of the first-series CPL & IR (Series 1, Attempt 1 or Series 1, Attempt 2), and completion of the Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation (APS MCC) course.

Moreover, applicants must have engaged with no more than three training providers for ground school, CPL/IR, and APS MCC phases, and possess a UK CAA Class 1 medical certificate meeting British Airways’ medical criteria. Proficiency in English Language Proficiency (ELP) at ICAO Level 6 and a valid passport with at least 12 months before expiry, enabling unrestricted worldwide travel, are also prerequisites.

To apply for the position and to see a comprehensive list of each requirement, go to Careers at British Airways.

Aviation

Boeing Faces New Setbacks as 777X Delays Extend and scraps B767-300F

Boeing’s challenges continue as employees halted production due to a strike, creating new obstacles for delivering aircraft to customers. The company now faces financial losses from delays in the delivery of its boeing 777x aircraft.

Boeing recently announced that the new delivery date for the 777-9 will be in 2026, with the freighter variant scheduled for 2028. This news has been frustrating for airlines that have committed to and are waiting for the aircraft.

Mega Comparison of Boeing 777x vs A350-1000 Aircraft

The Boeing 777X program, which began in early 2019, was initially delayed to 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. Subsequent issues, including defects found during testing, have placed the program under scrutiny by the FAA, which insists on the aircraft meeting all safety standards before entering service. Boeing is now facing pressure from both airlines and investors.

Boeing 777x Delay

New Commercial Airplanes expects to incur pre-tax charges of $3.0 billion related to the Boeing 777X and 767 programs.

The company forecasts a $2.6 billion pre-tax charge due to the updated timeline, which accounts for delays in flight testing for the 777-9 and the impact of the IAM (International Association of Machinists) work stoppage. The first 777-9 delivery is now expected in 2026, with the 777-8 freighter following in 2028.

Exploring the Boeing 777x: Highlights from the Debut at …

In addition, Boeing plans to conclude production of the 767 freighter, resulting in a $0.4 billion pre-tax charge. From 2027 onwards, the company will solely produce the 767-2C aircraft for the KC-46A Tanker program.

In August 2024, Boeing grounded its 777X test fleet after detecting a failure in a key engine mounting structure during a routine inspection. The new boeing 777x, powered by the GE9X engine, is the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, but this issue has caused further setbacks.

Boeing 777x, A close-up of the engine, landing gear, and wing

Comparison of 777x vs A350

Meanwhile, the Airbus A350 continues to secure new orders from airlines, becoming a strong competitor in the wide-body aircraft segment. While the a350 vs b777 offer similar ranges, the 777X is designed to carry a heavier payload.

In other developments, Boeing has hinted at starting production of a new mid-sized aircraft, the Boeing 797, which would likely compete with the Airbus A321 XLR.