A British Airways pilot out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic has started a new job as a Tesco delivery driver.

Peter Login was saluted for his temporary change of career as he ditched Boeing 747s for a Mercedes Sprinter to drop off food to Britons in coronavirus lockdown.

BA has grounded all flights at Gatwick and dramatically cut its services at Heathrow, while pilots have been hit with a 50% pay cut for three months and told to take two weeks of unpaid leave in both April and May.

British Airways pilot Peter Login with his partner, Marianne Whiston. They met while working for Thomas Cook, which is when they are pictured

Mr Login has ditched his Boeing 747 for a Mercedes Sprint after becoming a Tesco delivery driver

Mr Login tweeted: '@British-Airways 747 keys hung up for a while. Back in the cockpit with @Tesco.'

In his tweet - which racked up more than 7,000 likes - he joked about BA's 'To Fly To Serve' motto - adding: '#EveryLittleHelps #ToDriveToServe #StayHomeStaySafe'

Friends were quick to praise him, including Brad Tate, who wrote: 'Shows a lot of character, Peter. I hope you're back on the flight deck soon.'

Stu Whiteman said: 'What an absolute superstar you are. That dogged spirit & can-do, will-do attitude will get us through this, yours is such a great example.

'For everyone else, it's simple; either help the nation by doing the Key Work required, or stay at Home. Nothing else, just one of those two!'

It is the second time Mr Login has found himself out of work in a matter of months.

Mr Login used to work for Thomas Cook for three years before the airline went bust last September.

The former DHL cargo pilot then went on to BA where he has worked for four months before the coronavirus pandemic stopped flights across the world.

One Twitter user said: 'Just had a look on your timeline, made redundant from Thomas Cook as well. You sir are what I call one of life's Grafters. Great work sir.'

Another, called George, added: 'Thanks for doing your bit to help those who need it. Hopefully you'll be back in the skies very soon.'

Mr Login's partner, Marianne Whiston, used to work for Thomas Cook as cabin crew.

She is now on the coronavirus front line at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals Foundation Trust.

Mr Login behind the wheel of his Tesco delivery van (left) and while still working as a pilot (right)

Friends were quick to praise him, including Brad Tate, who wrote: 'Shows a lot of character, Peter. I hope you're back on the flight deck soon'

BA has furloughed 36,000 of its 45,000-strong workforce, including cabin and ground crew, engineers and office staff, who will now receive 80% of their pay from the government.

The airline has axed all its flights to and from Gatwick Airport and London City - with a severely reduced schedule from Heathrow's Terminal 5.

BA boss Alex Cruz also revealed that he won't take a salary for two months.

Separately, on Thursday IAG cancelled its final dividend, saving £320 million ($366 million).

Last night, the number of UK coronavirus-related deaths climbed by 621 to 4,934 and infections rose by 5,903 to 47,806.