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Air France vs British Airways
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at Air France (AF) and British Airways (BA) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Air France
British Airways
Country
France
United Kingdom
Airline Type
Major Airline
Major Airline
IATA Code
AF
BA
Regulatory Authority
EASA
EASA
First Officer Salary
€60,000 - €110,000
£55,000 - £100,000
Captain Salary
€140,000 - €230,000
£130,000 - £200,000
Fleet
Airbus A318/319/320/321/330/350, Boeing 777/787
Airbus A319/320/321/350/380, Boeing 777/787
Requirements Comparison
Air France
- EASA ATPL
- Class 1 medical
- French language proficiency
- EU citizenship or work permit
British Airways
- EASA/UK ATPL
- Class 1 medical
- UK right to work
- Strong CRM and leadership skills
- Minimum 500 hours multi-crew
Pros & Cons
Air France
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
Cons
- –Local language proficiency preferred
British Airways
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
About Each Airline
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 →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 Air France or British Airways based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
Salary Calculator