Why British Airways Is Paying Pilots Rs 95 Lakh To Move Planes On The Ground In Chicago

In a move that is drawing considerable attention across the aviation and travel world, British Airways is offering pilots a unique job at Chicago O'Hare International Airport - one that comes with a salary of up to USD 100,000 (Rs 95,03,640) a year but requires no flying at all. Instead, selected candidates will be responsible for taxiing aircraft on the ground between terminals. The unusual role highlights the complexities of operating at one of the world's busiest airports and reflects how airlines are adapting their operations to improve efficiency and passenger experience.

Why British Airways Needs 'Taxi Pilots'

The role, officially referred to as 'Taxi Crew', stems from the airline's distinctive operational setup at Chicago O'Hare. British Airways operates three daily flights into the airport, all of which arrive at Terminal 5 - the hub for international arrivals and home to US Customs and Border Protection.

However, departures do not take place from the same terminal. Instead, aircraft must be moved to Terminal 3, which is primarily used by American Airlines. This arrangement is linked to the transatlantic joint venture between British Airways and American Airlines, where a large share of passengers transfer onto domestic flights within the United States, reported PYOK.

Moving aircraft closer to connecting gates helps reduce the risk of missed connections and streamlines passenger movement. By assigning dedicated crews solely for ground taxiing, airlines can improve turnaround times, enhance punctuality, and reduce delays - all of which are key performance metrics in modern aviation.

As a result, British Airways requires qualified pilots to taxi wide-body aircraft - including Boeing 777s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners - across the airport. The task may sound straightforward, but navigating O'Hare's complex taxiway network demands significant expertise and precision.

Also Read: British Airways Bans Passengers From Filming Cabin Crew Without Consent

The Job Role And Requirements

The job posting, which appeared on LinkedIn on May 2, 2026, has already attracted attention online, with dozens of applicants expressing interest early on.

^{Photo: LinkedIn}

According to the airline's job listing, these taxi pilots will "play a critical role in helping achieve On Time Performance by safely ground taxiing British Airways Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft between terminals at Chicago O'Hare airport".

The position requires candidates to already hold a valid Air Transport Pilot certification (or equivalent) along with relevant aircraft experience or type ratings. Responsibilities include carrying out pre-taxi safety checks, coordinating with ground control, and manoeuvring aircraft safely between gates and operational points.

The role operates on a shift basis, covering early mornings, late nights and weekends - aligned with the airline's flight schedules.

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Who The Role Is Designed For

While a salary of up to USD 100,000 may appear modest compared to senior pilot earnings in the United States, the role is not aimed at pilots at the peak of their careers.

Instead, it is particularly suited to recently retired pilots who, under US regulations, may no longer be eligible to operate commercial flights but can still perform ground operations. For such candidates, the job offers a way to remain connected to aviation while taking on a less demanding workload.

That said, handling aircraft at O'Hare is far from simple. The airport manages more than 70 million passengers each year and sees thousands of aircraft movements daily. Congestion, tight scheduling, and variable weather conditions make it one of the most challenging environments for ground operations.