Budget airline easyJet is opening up 330 new permanent jobs for pilots.

The first officer positions will initially be given on a priority basis to pilots employed by the firm’s aviation training partners CTC Aviation and Parc, where they will already be gaining experience with the airline.

Applications from other pilots with appropriate experience will be considered.

The firm currently employs 1,850 pilots permanently and a further 450 through its training partners.

The new roles will be offered across the firm’s 11 UK bases – Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow, Liverpool, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Southend and Stansted.

Pilots gaining experience under the airline’s cadet scheme earn £40k-£50k, rising to £54k-£58k for first officers, £66k-£75k for senior first officers and £114k-£146k for captains.

The airline also offers part-time (75%) positions.