Prospect secures recognition and delivers successive pay awards for BA CityFlyer engineers

The formal recognition of Prospect as the union representing aircraft engineering staff at BA CityFlyer marked a turning point — and became the catalyst for meaningful change. Since gaining recognition in November 2023, Prospect has delivered a series of pay awards, improved working conditions, and new benefits that have begun to close the gap between BA CityFlyer engineers and wider industry standards.

The campaign began in early 2023, driven by growing frustration among engineers at London City Airport (LCY), whose pay had fallen significantly behind industry norms. Prospect consulted extensively with members, gathering feedback on wage disparities, retention challenges, and the need for a more inclusive and competitive reward structure. This member-led approach shaped the union’s strategy and ensured that proposals reflected real workplace concerns.

Following months of dialogue and pressure, Prospect secured the mandate to represent Licensed Aircraft Engineers (LAEs) and Mechanics. This recognition paved the way for meaningful negotiations and tangible improvements.

In early 2024, Prospect negotiated a series of pay increases, including a 9% market rate adjustment to basic pay, followed by further uplifts to both shift pay and base salaries. These gains were part of a broader effort to bring BA CityFlyer’s engineering pay in line with industry benchmarks.

A two-year deal agreed in April 2025 introduced additional enhancements, including a 3% market rate adjustment for LAEs, a 7% rise for Mechanics, and a £1,500 non-consolidated payment for all eligible staff. Prospect also negotiated an attraction scheme for LAEs, offering payments of £3,000 and £5,000 in December 2025 and 2026 respectively. However, the union raised concerns about the scheme’s limited scope, noting that the exclusion of Mechanics undermined fairness and inclusivity.

Despite these improvements, retention remained a challenge. In September 2025, Prospect’s local representatives returned to the employer with a clear message: the current approach wasn’t working, and further action was needed. This renewed push led to a fresh package of measures, including an increase in shift pay to £7,500, the acceleration of the 2026 pay rise, and the introduction of private medical insurance for engineers.

Local reps say the difference since recognition has been transformative. “Being part of Prospect has given us a real voice,” said one rep. “Before, we were constantly chasing improvements with little traction. Now, we’re seeing real change — better pay, better conditions, and a more respectful dialogue with management.”

Another rep added, “In just two years, we’ve gone from feeling undervalued to seeing meaningful investment in our roles. Recognition has empowered us to speak collectively and push for what’s fair.”

Ian Kelly, Negotiations Officer at Prospect, said the latest round of improvements demonstrated the strength of collective action. “We’ve made real progress, but we’re not stopping here. Pensions and other elements of the reward package are firmly in our sights.”

Looking ahead, Prospect remains committed to securing a fair and comprehensive reward structure for BA CityFlyer engineers. The union will continue to advocate for improvements to pension arrangements, career development opportunities, and recognition across all engineering roles — ensuring that staff are valued, supported, and fairly compensated.