How Much Do British Airways Pilots Really Earn in 2025?
Ask any UK pilot where they’d like to end up, and British Airways will probably come up. In 2025, flying for BA still means good pay, strong benefits, and a clear career path. But the numbers—especially those six-figure salaries you hear about—don’t tell the full story on their own.
First Officer Pay: Where It Starts
Pilots at the beginning of their BA career start as First Officers. Most earn somewhere between £50,000 and £80,000 a year. Those flying long-haul routes on larger jets usually earn more than those flying shorter routes within Europe.
Fleet type matters too. A First Officer flying an A350 to Cape Town will almost always earn more than someone on the A320 flying to Nice.
Fleet assignment plays a key role in pilot pay. Long-haul aircraft like the 747 or A350 often come with higher salaries than short-haul jets.
Mid-Career: Senior First Officers
After some years in the role—typically five to eight—First Officers may be promoted to Senior First Officer. Salaries here can rise to around £90,000, especially if the pilot is regularly flying long-haul or picking up more demanding rosters.
This level often includes more responsibility and more hours, but it also brings a noticeable jump in earnings.
Captain Salaries: What’s Really Possible
Captains at BA are some of the best-paid in the country. According to Glassdoor and PayScale, the average Captain earns between £100,000 and £167,000 per year.
That top figure usually applies to:
- Long-haul Captains flying wide-body jets (e.g. A350, 777)
- Pilots with 15+ years at the airline
- Captains who also act as trainers or line managers
One BA pilot described the pay like this: “You don’t walk into it overnight. But once you’re there, it’s a very fair deal for what you’re asked to do.”
British Airways dominates the ramps at London Heathrow, the airline’s global hub and home base for thousands of pilots.
What Affects Pilot Pay?
Several things can push pilot pay up or down at BA:
- Time in rank: Annual raises are tied to seniority
- Fleet type: Bigger aircraft = bigger salary
- Schedule: Overnight flights and long-haul often include extra allowances
- Instructor or trainer roles: These add responsibility and income
Pilots also receive:
- Travel benefits for themselves and family
- Pension contributions
- Private healthcare
- Uniform and training support
It’s a full package—not just a salary.
Compared to Other UK Airlines
BA’s pilot salaries are near the top of the UK range:
- easyJet Captains earn up to £130,000
- Virgin Atlantic offers similar pay on long-haul fleets but has fewer overall roles
British Airways still offers a broader range of global destinations, bigger fleets, and a more defined progression system than many competitors.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a Captain at British Airways takes years of flying, training, and steady progression. But for many pilots, it’s worth the effort. With top salaries pushing £167,000 and some of the best travel perks in the business, BA continues to be one of the most desirable pilot jobs in the UK.