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British Airways vs Air France
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at British Airways (BA) and Air France (AF) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
British Airways
Air France
Country
United Kingdom
France
Airline Type
Major Airline
Major Airline
IATA Code
BA
AF
Regulatory Authority
EASA
EASA
First Officer Salary
£55,000 - £100,000
€60,000 - €110,000
Captain Salary
£130,000 - £200,000
€140,000 - €230,000
Fleet
Airbus A319/320/321/350/380, Boeing 777/787
Airbus A318/319/320/321/330/350, Boeing 777/787
Requirements Comparison
British Airways
- EASA/UK ATPL
- Class 1 medical
- UK right to work
- Strong CRM and leadership skills
- Minimum 500 hours multi-crew
Air France
- EASA ATPL
- Class 1 medical
- French language proficiency
- EU citizenship or work permit
Pros & Cons
British Airways
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
Air France
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
Cons
- –Local language proficiency preferred
About Each Airline
British Airways
The UK's flag carrier operates from London Heathrow, one of the world's busiest airports, with routes spanning the globe.
Full British Airways career guide →Air France
France's flag carrier operates an extensive long-haul network from Paris Charles de Gaulle with a focus on premium service.
Full Air France career guide →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at British Airways or Air France based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
Salary Calculator