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British Airways and easyJet go head-to-head in pilot wars as more Brits jet off on getaways By Megan Howe Published: 03:41 EDT, 21 October 2024 | Updated: 03:58 EDT, 21 October 2024 e-mail View comments British Airways and easyJet are fighting over new pilots at Britain's second-biggest airport, as air travel continues to recover to pre-pandemic levels. The two carriers, which are the biggest airlines at Gatwick , are currently going head-to-head in their recruitment efforts. According to industry sources, Easyjet is offering captains up to £191,000 in fixed and variable pay for switching to the airline, while the top salary for new captains at British Airways' short-haul Euroflyer division is £138,000.
Easyjet has been offering higher salaries than BA at Gatwick since their rival returned to the airport post-pandemic. Both BA and easyJet fly the same type of aircraft, the Airbus A320, which means they compete for the same pilots. But it is unusual for easyJet to recruit externally, preferring instead to promote within, The Times reported.
Easyjet has been offering higher salaries than BA at Gatwick since their rival returned to the airport post-pandemic (stock) In the first half of this year, passenger numbers at Gatwick rebounded close to pre-pandemic levels, however there is a shortage of pilots because training paused during the pandemic. Read More EasyJet plane descends into panic after 'bag of vapes' explodes on London-bound flight A survey by consultant company Oliver Wyman found there is a global gap of 34,000 pilots by 2025. This could be as high as 50,000 in more extreme scenarios.
It stated that the impact of furloughs, retirements and defections to other industries, would have 'real challenges' for some of the biggest carriers. The Times reported easyJet offers pilots 'generous' leaving allowances including 'bookable days off to promote rest and relaxation'. They also receive free food and drink during flights; free parking at the airport, 'unlimited discount fares' for friends and family, as well as a pension with employer contributions of up to 15 per cent.
BA took the decision to temporarily leave Gatwick as the pandemic hit back in 2020, electing to concentrate on the few flights remaining at Heathrow, but has now returned (stock) BA took the decision to temporarily leave Gatwick as the pandemic hit back in 2020, electing to concentrate on the few flights remaining at Heathrow. Warning there was 'no certainty' BA would return, the carrier restarted its operations from is Sussex base with its Euroflyer short-haul subsidiary. easyJet, which is known for being a budget carrier, is focused on competing with BA rather than Ryanair or Wizz.
A spokesperson for easyJet told The Times the carrier's recruitment efforts were not 'targeting any specific airline'. However, 'some of these will be based at BA; they will also be with Wizz and Tui as well as other airlines,' they said. A spokesman for British Airways told The Times that it was also hiring direct-entry pilots at EuroFlyer and its CityFlyer subsidiary based at London City airport.
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