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easyJet vs British Airways
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at easyJet (U2) and British Airways (BA) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
easyJet
British Airways
Country
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Airline Type
Low-Cost Carrier
Major Airline
IATA Code
U2
BA
Regulatory Authority
EASA
EASA
First Officer Salary
£45,000 - £80,000
£55,000 - £100,000
Captain Salary
£110,000 - £160,000
£130,000 - £200,000
Fleet
Airbus A319/320/321neo
Airbus A319/320/321/350/380, Boeing 777/787
Requirements Comparison
easyJet
- EASA/UK ATPL
- Class 1 medical
- Airbus type rating preferred
- 250+ hours on type
British Airways
- EASA/UK ATPL
- Class 1 medical
- UK right to work
- Strong CRM and leadership skills
- Minimum 500 hours multi-crew
Pros & Cons
easyJet
Pros
- +Faster career progression
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
Cons
- –Higher workload with quick turnarounds
- –Type rating required before application
British Airways
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
About Each Airline
easyJet
Major European LCC with bases across the UK and Europe. All-Airbus fleet with good work-life balance for a low-cost carrier.
Full easyJet career guide →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 →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at easyJet or British Airways based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
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