The airline has contacted people in its existing talent pools, which holds the details of those who left the business last year but have expressed an interest to return to the airline when jobs are available.

To incentivise new starters, BA will also waive its policy for employees to have to work for six months for the carrier before they can access staff travel.

Sean Doyle, BA chairman and chief executive, said the airline is "finally" seeing a demand for travel return after "18 long months of closed or restricted borders across the world".

"This means that we can finally get back to doing what we do best – flying our customers around the world," he added.

"Everyone is welcome at British Airways; we have an opportunity to give people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to see the world and help shape the future of our airline." 

Applications are now open and assessments will take place throughout November.

The airline will fast-track its recruitment schedules with the view to get people in for its first training courses in January to enable them to start by March 2022.

Crew will be able to earn up to £28,000 a year with flying/duty pay and a tax-fee subsistence allowance, as well as company benefits.