Guide to Airlines

Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines):

• License: ICAO CPL/ATPL or GACA
• Flight Hours: 300–1,500 depending on position
• Medical: GACA Class 1
• Nationality: Saudi required for cadets, not for experienced roles
• Application Process: Apply via the official Saudia careers portal. Includes online application, document review, written test, and simulator check for experienced hires
• Preferred Type Ratings: A320, A330, B777, B787
• Cadet Program: Available yearly via announcements on the website
• Website: careers.saudia.com

Riyadh Air:

• License: ICAO ATPL
• Flight Hours: 1,500+ (jet experience required)
• Medical: GACA Class 1, ICAO English Level 4+
• Hiring Type: Experienced First Officers and Captains; no cadet program yet
• Process: Resume screening → interview → psychometrics → simulator ride
• Preferred Background: Long-haul fleet (e.g., B787)
• Website: riyadhair.com/careers

Flynas:

• License: GACA or ICAO CPL/ATPL
• Flight Hours: 500–1,500 depending on role
• Medical: Class 1
• Hiring: Direct entry for A320 FOs and Captains
• Preferred Rating: A320 (not mandatory, may provide training)
• Website: flynas.com/careers

Flyadeal:

• License: CPL with Frozen ATPL (GACA or ICAO)
• Medical: GACA Class 1
• Flight Time: 500+ for FOs; Cadet intake for fresh CPL holders announced occasionally
• Hiring Type: Direct entry + cadet programs occasionally
• Notes: Often requires assessment center in Jeddah or Riyadh
• Website: flyadeal.com/careers

Delta Air Lines

• License: FAA ATP
• Flight Hours: 1,500+ (Part 121 mins)
• Medical: FAA First-Class
• Education: Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred
• Application Process: Apply via Delta Careers. Includes assessments, virtual interview, and simulator evaluation
• Preferred Type Ratings: B737/B757/B767/B777
• Website: delta.com/careers

United Airlines

• License: FAA ATP & FCC Radio Operator’s Permit
• Flight Hours: 1,500+ total time
• Medical: FAA First-Class
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required
• Program: Aviate Program for cadets and future FOs
• Website: unitedaviate.com

American Airlines

• License: FAA ATP or R-ATP
• Flight Hours: 1,500+
• Medical: FAA First-Class
• Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Cadet Academy: Available for zero-hour or low-hour pilots
• Website: aacadetacademy.com

JetBlue

• License: FAA ATP or Gateway Select Program Graduate
• Flight Hours: 1,500+ unless on cadet track
• Medical: FAA First-Class
• Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree
• Website: careers.jetblue.com

Spirit Airlines

• License: FAA ATP
• Flight Hours: 1,500+ (750 ME preferred)
• Medical: FAA First-Class
• Education: Bachelor’s preferred
• Website: careers.spirit.com

Frontier Airlines

• License: FAA ATP or R-ATP
• Flight Hours: 1,500+ TT
• Medical: FAA First-Class
• Education: Bachelor’s preferred
• Website: flyfrontier.com/careers

Southwest Airlines

• License: FAA ATP
• Flight Hours: 1,000 hours turbine/multi-engine
• Medical: FAA First-Class
• Aircraft: B737 Type Rating required by hire date
• Website: southwestair.com/careers

British Airways

• License: UK CAA or EASA Frozen ATPL
• Flight Hours: Varies by position (Cadet to Direct Entry Captain)
• Medical: UK CAA Class 1
• Education: 5 GCSEs incl. Math, English, Science
• Programs: Cadet Programme (Speedbird Pilot Academy), Direct Entry Pilot hiring
• Requirements: MCC, UPRT completed before training start
• Website: careers.ba.com

Lufthansa

• License: EASA Frozen ATPL
• Medical: EASA Class 1
• Flight Hours: Cadet program available through Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT)
• Assessment: DLR testing required (German language recommended)
• Programs: European Flight Academy (Lufthansa Group)
• Website: european-flight-academy.com

Air France

• License: EASA ATPL (Frozen accepted for cadets)
• Medical: EASA Class 1
• Language: Fluent French and English required
• Programs: ENAC Cadet Program (via selection campaign)
• Education: High school diploma minimum, university degree preferred
• Website: airfrance.com – Talent Page

EasyJet

• License: EASA or UK Frozen ATPL
• Medical: EASA or UK Class 1
• Flight Hours: Cadet or Direct Entry FO & Captain roles available
• Programs: Generation easyJet Pilot Training Programme (CAEO/EASA)
• Aircraft: A320 Family – rating often provided if accepted
• Website: careers.easyjet.com

Ryanair

• License: EASA ATPL (Frozen or Full)
• Medical: EASA Class 1
• Flight Hours: 100+ for cadets, 1,500+ for Captains
• Program: Mentored Cadet Program via Ryanair’s ATO partners
• Base: Across Europe; flexibility required
• Website: careers.ryanair.com

Wizz Air

• License: EASA CPL with Frozen ATPL
• Medical: EASA Class 1
• Flight Hours: Entry at 300+ TT possible for cadets
• Programs: Wizz Air Cadet Program and Direct Entry FO/ Captain
• Preferred Rating: A320 rating preferred but not always required
• Website: careers.wizzair.com

Qantas Airways

• License: CASA CPL or ATPL
• Flight Hours: Minimum 250 for FO, 1,500+ for Captain
• Medical: CASA Class 1
• Nationality: Must be Australian/NZ citizen or permanent resident
• Programs: Qantas Group Pilot Academy (for cadets)
• Type Rating: A320/B737 rating preferred for experienced hires
• Website: qantas.com/careers

Virgin Australia

• License: CASA CPL with Frozen ATPL
• Flight Hours: 500–1,500 depending on role
• Medical: CASA Class 1
• Programs: Direct Entry First Officer and Cadet pathway
• Aircraft: B737, F100, and regional turboprops
• Application Process: Online application, sim ride, and panel interview
• Website: virginaustralia.com/careers

Jetstar Airways

• License: CASA CPL with ATPL subjects passed (Frozen ATPL)
• Flight Hours: Varies depending on base and aircraft (A320 or B787)
• Medical: CASA Class 1
• Nationality: Must have right to work in Australia
• Training: Jetstar Cadet Pilot Program offered through CAE and Swinburne
• Website: careers.jetstar.com

Regional Express (REX)

• License: CASA CPL with Frozen ATPL
• Medical: CASA Class 1
• Flight Hours: 500+ TT (Direct Entry FO); 0+ for Cadet Program
• Programs: REX Pilot Cadet Program (funded training)
• Aircraft: Saab 340 and Boeing 737 for regional/national ops
• Website: rex.com.au/careers

Alliance Airlines

• License: CASA CPL or ATPL
• Flight Hours: Varies (typically 1,000+ TT for direct entry)
• Aircraft: Fokker 70/100 regional jet operations
• Medical: CASA Class 1
• Notes: Based in Brisbane, Townsville, Perth, and other regional hubs
• Website: allianceairlines.com.au/careers