A new recruitment drive goes hand in hand with British Airways ' new training facility at Heathrow.

Plans to recruit around 2,000 flying crew will mark a record recruitment year at British Airways.

There are more than 350 pilot positions and 1,600 cabin crew jobs as part of the airline’s 2016 recruitment plans, in line with the carriers growing fleet of aircraft of 13 new Boeing 787s and A380s arriving this year.

All crew will be fully trained at BA’s new Global Learning Academy at Heathrow which is equipped with 15 simulators, as well as short and long haul aircraft training cabins.

British Airways’ director of flight operations, Captain Stephen Riley, said: “It’s a great time to be a British Airways pilot.

“We have excellent opportunities for new pilots with the British Airways Future Pilot Programme entering its fifth successful year, as well as the very best experienced flight crew from other airlines and the military.

“We’re extremely proud that we have more female pilots than ever before, and we are continuing our recruitment campaign to encourage more women to apply to fly commercial aircraft.”

The boost in employment will mean once the posts are filled it will be the first time in BA’s near 100-year history its air crew will exceed 20,000 people.

How can I become a pilot or cabin crew?

There are three main channels to become a pilot; through BA’s cadet scheme - British Airways Future Pilot Programme - for 18 to 55-year-olds with no previous flying experience necessary; direct from other carrierrs; or as an experienced pilot from the military.

Cabin crew applicants must pass a series of online tests to secure a place on the course.

British Airways’ director of customer experience, Troy Warfield, said: “Not only do we have fantastic new training facilities, new aircraft with fresh cabin interiors, but also new routes to every corner of the globe.

“Cabin crew are integral to the success of our airline and we are very proud of the service they provide our customers.”