Life as a British Airways engineer – a career without limits or boundaries

British Airways, the national carrier of the United Kingdom (UK) and one of the defining airlines within the contemporary aviation world, offers its engineers a career without limits. It’s a workplace in which they can handle a modern fleet that includes the giant A380 ‘superjumbo’ and advanced 787 and A350 wide bodies, plus a wide range of the latest engine types, while remaining free to think big and bring their ambition to work every day.

The legacy of British Airways stretches back over 100 years, covering a period during which feats of engineering innovation saw the airline introduce the first fully lie-flat seats and Concorde make the fastest ever transatlantic flight.

One thing is for sure, however: the journey never stops, and British Airways’ aspirations only grow bigger, which is why the airline remains permanently focused on finding exceptional engineers and technicians to join their team, wherever they might be located.  

About British Airways

British AirwaysBritish Airways has been connecting the UK with the world – and the world with the UK – since the carrier completed the first international scheduled air service between London and Paris in 1919.

Since then, it has built one of the most ambitious and reliable global networks, with services to more than 200 destinations across 80 countries.

Being still based at London-Heathrow Airport, British Airways operates from a giant of the aviation sector, helping more than 40 million worldwide customers each year with their travel plans.  

Such an enormous operation relies on a fleet of aircraft that can rise to the challenge, and British Airways’ engineers and technicians ensure that each and every one of these planes is fit to fly.

From the colossal Airbus A380, A350 and Boeing 777 to the A320-200 and A320neo work horses, the variety of aircraft with which British Airways engineers work is something to behold.  

Working for British Airways  

“Being able to stand proudly at the pinnacle of the aviation industry throughout our history is down to one thing: our people.”

At British Airways, it’s not just about caring for customers, but also ensuring that staff feel that same value and respect too.

British Airways celebrates individuality, giving colleagues the confidence to push forward original ideas and make them feel truly valued.

Diversity is embraced wholeheartedly, driven by a genuine desire to create a workforce that’s reflective of the entire modern world.  

British Airways understands that when everyone feels emboldened to flourish, then individuals will contribute their best, and help to transform the airline for the future.

British Airways UK home

The United Kingdom is a powerhouse in global aviation, making British Airways’ home one of the most exciting and stimulating places in which engineers and technicians can apply their craft.

At London-Heathrow, British Airways operates to and from Terminal 3 and the airline’s busiest worldwide hub, Terminal 5.  

In November 2024, London-Heathrow declared that it expects to close the year having served 83.8 million passengers, an increase of 2.9 million on 2019’s previous annual record of 80.9 million.

As well as London-Heathrow, British Airways recruits for roles within engineering teams at its additional bases in Glasgow and Cardiff, as well as line stations around the world.

At British Airways Maintenance Cardiff (BAMC), plans have recently been announced to expand one of three existing maintenance bays to facilitate their A350 aircraft.     

Engineering in aviation  

British Airways As the demand for air travel continues to surge in the wake of the global pandemic, airlines are responding and planning for the future with new aircraft and new destinations.  

During the past year, British Airways has accepted delivery of 12 new fuel-efficient aircraft, including four A320 and A321Neos (with the airline’s new short-haul seats interior) plus two 787-10s.

Engineers and technicians are sure to play a key part in British Airways’ journey during the coming decades and there is perhaps no better time to join and become part of that story.  

British Airways is currently in the process of seeking applications from technicians and engineers, particularly those with aircraft experience, as the carrier expands to meet soaring demand.

Life as a BA engineer/technician

Joining British Airways in the role of engineer is an opportunity to join one of its most diverse and innovative departments, with plentiful openings for developing your career.

It involves working within an environment with over 80 years of experience in providing maintenance, repair and overhaul services to British Airways.

From scheduled planned maintenance to AOG and ad-hoc maintenance inputs, British Airways engineers work around the clock to meet their obligations and keep the fleet in world-class condition.

If you are energized by being part of projects you won’t find anywhere else, plus you would like to work with a wide range of wide-bodied and narrow-bodied aircraft and varied engine types while looking after the latest hi-tech inventory, then an engineering career with British Airways may be the perfect fit.  

It is not unusual for British Airways engineers to start in one role and then find themselves on a totally different path ten years later.  

Progression is never stifled and working as an engineer for British Airways can always unlock new career pathways and opportunities.  

Current British Airways engineers, with a range of experience, work in a stimulating array of different departments, from line maintenance and fleet technical support to both base and heavy maintenance.

A career without limits

Richard – Engineering Business Services Manager

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Richard joined British Airways in the late 1980s. He started in engineering as an apprentice, after watching aircraft take off from Heathrow from his bedroom as a child.

“When I review my own career, having started as an apprentice, I have had roles in so many different teams, including Workshops, Technical, Aircraft Maintenance, Finance, Training, Business Intelligence, Quality and Resourcing to name a few, having different experiences and working with so many amazing people. Very few companies provide such opportunity and support and encourage you to progress and better yourself.

“British Airways provides fantastic learning opportunities, from technical training through to leadership development, as well as academic study opportunities. A blend of theory and practical experience, supported with mentoring from colleagues and managers alike, has enabled me to build a wide range of skills.

“Having started in engineering as an apprentice, I have learnt to rely on the knowledge and experience of those around me to make both personal and business decisions. Now that I am in the latter part of my career, I am enjoying taking on the responsibility of supporting the next generation in their development, although I am still learning new things from them!”

Abi – Engineering Apprenticeship Development Manager

Abi always knew she wanted to work in the airline industry, so when an opportunity arose to apply for a role at British Airways she jumped at the chance.

“I decided to apply for the Business in Engineering Apprenticeship because it would allow me to gain valuable experience in multiple areas across engineering. Being part of the apprenticeship scheme at British Airways, I had the opportunity to rotate around different departments to learn new skills and meet new people. This has been incredibly valuable to my development as it increased my skill set and helped provide a strong foundation for my career at British Airways.

“A career in British Airways Engineering is like no other, because of the people. Our teams strive for success, and we will help everyone achieve their potential. While no two days are the same, everyone here is working together towards a shared goal to keep our planes in the sky and get our customers where they need to be. My engineering colleagues are passionate about what they do. That’s why I enjoy coming to work every day.

“My skill set has grown in ways I never thought were possible 10 years ago! I manage over 100 apprentices, and with that comes challenges, but I have succeeded thanks to the brilliant network I have at British Airways. I think what has made this possible is the people. Everyone I have worked with has believed in me, which made me believe in myself!”

Benefits of being a BA engineer or technician

British Airways As a British Airways colleague, you become part of an all-embracing global team, regardless of your background, and join a place of work where your dreams can be turned into a reality.  

All engineering team members receive a highly competitive salary and a pension scheme where employer contributions can reach up to 11%.  

Great importance is placed on staff well-being, and all engineering team members are provided private medical insurance, with the choice of four plans and dental cover.  

A healthy work-life balance is actively encouraged, with family leave structures in place, flexible working options and access to confidential counselling services for employees and their loved ones.  

Staff travel with discounted tickets available for team members and three friends or family members from Day One. After 12 months of service, engineers and their nominees are eligible for a return journey per year on any eligible route in the British Airways network.

British Airways is always eager to invest in all its employees’ talents and offers a range of tailored learning opportunities to help staff members to progress.  

There are early career programs and online courses tailored to staff member’s technical capabilities, external training and conferences to network, collaborate and learn, and opportunities for secondments.  

And even if you live abroad, British Airways can offer working visas for eligible candidates.  

Engineering roles available

British Airways is currently seeking qualified candidates for technical roles including A-License Technician, Licensed Aircraft Engineer and Cabin Mechanic Pathway.  

These positions are usually available within both maintenance (based near Hatton Cross, London) and operational maintenance departments (London-Heathrow).

The allocation is based on operation requirements and candidate experience.

All other available engineering roles with British Airways can be found on the BA Careers Website.

Summary  

If an engineering career without limits or boundaries – and the opportunity to work on the largest aircraft and engine types – sounds like your ideal job, then why would you want to work anywhere other than British Airways?

At its home at London-Heathrow Airport, you would find yourself working at one of the commercial aviation centers of the world every day, in one of the most exciting and vibrant cities on Earth.  

No matter where you are located, these opportunities are still open to you, with British Airways sponsorships available for eligible candidates.  

Got a question about what it’s like to work at British Airways? Then visit the dedicated engineering career webpage to learn more.  The post Life as a British Airways engineer – a career without limits or boundaries appeared first on AeroTime.

Go to Source