'Short sighted' | British Airways hits turbulence over new rules limiting crew's social media use

British Airways has denied claims that it has banned crew and pilots from posting about their jobs on social media, following an influential pilot’s heartfelt post about his famous cockpit snaps coming to an end.

The airline recently issued new guidance to employees with a list of ‘dos and don’ts’ outlining what is appropriate content to share with the public, and how to prevent safety or security issues.

This guidance was sent as part of a memo sent to BA employees in late January, shared with national publication the Independent, which said: “We positively encourage and value the contributions that you, our colleagues, make on social media by sharing your passion for original content creation and your pride for working at BA.”

For the likes of Captain Dave Wallsworth, a BA pilot whose posts have earned him more than 110,000 Twitter followers, this decision blocks him from making any posts like the ones that have seen his popularity take off – he is best known for posting images captured mid-flight, showing the cockpit, stunning skies and/or the land thousands of feet below.