Coach Driver

First Bus (Aircoach)

Job Description

🚍 Coach Driver – Belfast

📍 Site: Belfast

🕒 Status: Permanent, Full-time

💶 Remuneration: Beginning at £15.53 hourly, increasing to £17.08 hourly after half a year

📅 Schedule: 39 hours weekly, distributed over 4 days (encompassing early, late, night, and weekend shifts – set rotas)

Welcome to Aircoach

Aircoach stands as the premier private coach and bus provider in Ireland. We manage six vital pathways linking Dublin Airport to Dublin’s heart and surrounding areas, in addition to rapid services connecting Dublin Airport with Belfast, Cork, Derry/Londonderry, and Belfast International Airport.

As a distinguished subsidiary of First Group plc—a global leader in ground transport—we are dedicated to transporting individuals with safety, dependability, and ease.

Role Overview

We are seeking Expert Coach Drivers to become part of our Belfast crew. This position transcends simple driving; it is an opportunity to positively impact our passengers’ lives. You will serve as a crucial component of their travels, whether they are embarking on a vacation or traveling for employment.

Navigating the route between Belfast City and Dublin Airport and returning, you will experience the independence of the highway while being supported by a welcoming and helpful group. Each day brings new variety and interactions with a diverse range of individuals.

Candidate Profile

We desire drivers who prioritize safety, politeness, and the passenger experience to represent the Aircoach brand at an elite level.

Mandatory Requirements:

• Current, unblemished EU or ROI PCV (D) driving credential

• Current EU or ROI CPC certification

• Current ROI tachograph credential

• Proficiency in English (C2 standard favored)

• Robust interpersonal and guest relations talents

• Adaptability to perform varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and early starts

• At least 18 years of age (over 12 months of driving history favored)

Incentives

• Fixed Rosters for Rest Days – promoting superior life balance

• Overtime premium of £3 per hour

• Annual leave of 28 days (encompassing public holidays)

• Health Expense Reimbursement Plan

• Retirement Savings Plan

• Provided work attire at no cost

• Fully funded CPC instruction

• Complimentary or significantly reduced fares on First Bus UK and Aircoach routes

• Reduced-rate employee parking at Dublin Airport

• Savings at “The Loop” (Dublin Airport Duty Free)

• Festive season voucher

• 24/7 confidential Employee Support Program

We are committed to fostering a diverse and welcoming workplace. Your mental and physical health are priorities, and we provide numerous wellness programs and constant support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Prepared to Submit? Become part of a group that prioritizes service, safety, and support. If you are prepared for the next phase of your professional driving path, submit your application now and advance with Aircoach.

Candidates are informed that background verifications are a routine component of our hiring. A criminal history does not strictly disqualify you; details are assessed individually.


Job Data Table

Category Details
Company Name First Bus (Aircoach)
Location Belfast, United Kingdom
Locality Northern Ireland
Country United Kingdom
City Belfast
Region Belfast to Dublin
Job Type Full-time / Permanent
Salaries £15.53 – £17.08 per hour
Experience Level PCV (D) Licensed
Travel Daily Belfast-Dublin Routes
Language English (C2 Preferred)
Benefits Fixed Rosters, Paid CPC, Health Plan, Travel Discounts

Skills & Competency Table

Key Skills Competency Level
PCV (D) Driving Expert
Customer Service Advanced
Tacho/CPC Compliance Expert
Communication Advanced
Time Management High
Route Safety Expert

Salaries Pay Calculator Table

Annual Salary Bonus Total Compensation Notes
£31,494 – £34,638 Overtime + Vouchers £32,000+ (Base) Based on 39 hrs/wk; rises after 6 months

Job Summary

This permanent role with Aircoach involves operating express coach services between Belfast and Dublin Airport. Working a 39-hour week across four days, you will provide professional, customer-focused transport. The position requires a PCV (D) license and offers competitive pay, paid CPC training, and extensive travel benefits within the First Group network.


5 FAQs

What is the specific route for this role?

The primary route is a return service operating between Belfast City and Dublin Airport.

Do I need to pay for my own CPC training?

No, Aircoach provides paid CPC training as part of their employment package.

What is the shift pattern like?

The role involves a 39-hour week over 4 days, using a fixed rest-day roster that includes mornings, evenings, overnights, and weekends.

What driving licenses are required?

You must hold a full, clean ROI or EU PCV (D) license, along with a valid CPC card and tachograph card.

Are there travel perks?

Yes, employees receive free or heavily discounted travel on both Aircoach and First Bus UK services.


Expert Analysis

This is a premium driving role compared to standard local bus work. The Belfast-Dublin express route is a flagship service, demanding high levels of professionalism. The “Fixed Rest Day Roster” is a significant industry benefit, providing much-needed predictability for drivers in a sector often characterized by erratic scheduling.


Location & Logistics Guide

The role is based in Belfast, with the main operational corridor being the M1/M2 motorway link to Dublin. Drivers will benefit from the cross-border nature of the work, including unique perks like duty-free discounts at Dublin Airport.

Wikipedia URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belfast


Career Path

Coach Drivers at Aircoach/First Bus can progress into roles such as Driver Mentor, Route Supervisor, or Depot Manager. Leveraging the global reach of First Group plc, there are also opportunities to move into specialized training, health and safety compliance, or logistics planning across their extensive international network.

To apply for this job please visit yourfirstbuscareer.co.uk.