Global Airline Pilot Recruitment Overview: May 2025
If you’re an aspiring or experienced pilot, 2025 is shaping up to be an excellent year for job opportunities in aviation. Airlines across the globe are ramping up recruitment to meet growing demand. This article outlines pilot hiring trends and opportunities by region and airline.
Major UK Airlines Recruiting Pilots
British Airways Cadet Programme: The Speedbird Pilot Academy offers a fully funded training pathway for aspiring pilots. Direct Entry: Recruiting experienced pilots for long-haul fleet and Euroflyer at Gatwick.
Virgin Atlantic Experienced Pilots: Hiring First Officers and Captains for long-haul fleet (A330, A350, B787).
TUI Airways Cadet Programme: The 2025 MPL Cadet Programme has closed. 2026 intake expected.
easyJet Cadet Programme: Actively recruiting via the Generation easyJet Training Programme in partnership with CAE. Experienced Pilots: Opportunities for Captains and First Officers across UK bases.
Jet2.com Cadet Programme: Launched a fully funded programme for 60 new pilots. Experienced Pilots: Recruiting Non-Type Rated First Officers.
Regional & Charter Airlines in the UK
Loganair Experienced Pilots: Fast-track Captain routes for those with >1,000 hours. Cadet Pathway: Mentored APS MCC leading to airline assessment.
Eastern Airways Experienced Pilots: Hiring UK ATPL holders with Class 1 medical.
Aurigny Experienced Pilots: Hiring non-rated ATR Captains for Guernsey base.
Blue Islands First Officers: Minimum 250 hours and 50 ME hours. Captains: Hiring for ATR 72-600/500.
Wizz Air UK All Levels: Hiring cadets to Direct Entry Captains with flexible roster options.
Skybus First Officers: Recruiting 7 First Officers starting Dec 2024–Feb 2025.
Major European Airlines
Air France (France) Cadet Programme: New campaign open to all experience levels.
Lufthansa Group (Germany) Pilot Recruitment: Hiring 800 pilots in 2025 as part of a 10,000-staff recruitment drive.
KLM (Netherlands) Experienced Pilots: Seeking experienced pilots for Schiphol. Cadet Programme: Two-year KLM-financed training via KLM Flight Academy.
SWISS (Switzerland) Cadet Programme: Free training begins June 2025.
Austrian Airlines (Austria) Recruitment: Hiring entry-level and experienced pilots.
Iberia (Spain) Cadet Programme: 5th edition launched with FTEJerez.
Finnair (Finland) Recruitment: Seeking CPL holders fluent in Finnish/English.
SAS (Scandinavia) First Officers: Hiring for E190 & A320 with flexible training intakes.
TAP Portugal Assessment: Includes ATPL test, psychometrics, and sim assessments.
LOT Polish Airlines Recruitment: Campaign open to pilots with 200+ hours.
European Low-Cost & Regional Airlines
Ryanair (Ireland) Recruitment: Fast-track career paths, 5/4 roster.
easyJet (Europe) Cadet Programme: Recruiting across European bases.
Wizz Air (Hungary) All Levels: From cadet to DEC with flexible rosters.
Vueling (Spain) Recruitment: Hiring First Officers and Captains.
Volotea (Spain) Recruitment: Fast career progression and merit-based roles.
Major Middle Eastern Airlines Recruiting Pilots (2025)
Emirates (UAE)
Emirates is actively expanding its pilot workforce, aiming to hire over 1,500 new aviators to support its global growth. The airline is conducting international recruitment roadshows, providing insights into the pilot recruitment process, training programs, and benefits.
Etihad Airways (UAE)
Etihad Airways is conducting assessment events in various cities, including Rome, Milan, Madrid, and London, to recruit A320 First Officers. The airline also offers a Cadet Pilot Programme, focusing on nurturing Emirati talent.
Qatar Airways (Qatar)
Qatar Airways is offering a range of pilot opportunities, including positions for Captains, First Officers, and Instructors. The airline emphasizes structured growth, international perks, and competitive compensation.
Saudia (Saudi Arabia)
Saudia is recruiting pilots for various positions, including First Officers and Captains. The airline provides comprehensive training and career development programs for its flight crew.
Oman Air (Oman)
Oman Air offers a Cadet Pilot scheme for aspiring pilots and has career opportunities for experienced commanders. The airline seeks candidates with a strong commitment to a career in aviation.
Kuwait Airways (Kuwait)
Kuwait Airways is modernizing its fleet and has ongoing recruitment for pilot positions. The airline operates various aircraft, including Airbus A320neo, A330neo, and Boeing 777-300ER.
Royal Jordanian (Jordan)
Royal Jordanian is inviting applications for its Cadet Pilot program. Candidates must pass a series of assessments, including the DLR test, to qualify for further interviews and potential hiring.
Middle East Airlines (Lebanon)
Middle East Airlines (MEA) is accepting applications for its Cadet Pilot program, targeting motivated Lebanese nationals. The program includes comprehensive training at MEA’s headquarters.
U.S. Major Airlines
American Airlines Hiring Resumed: First class started Jan 2025.
Delta Air Lines Normalizing Hiring: Includes online tests, panels, CJOs.
United Airlines Recruiting: 1,700 new pilots planned.
Southwest Airlines Paused Hiring: Corporate freeze in effect.
Alaska Airlines Actively Recruiting: Via Ascend Pilot Academy and direct entry.
JetBlue Airways Limited Hiring: Ongoing operational challenges.
Spirit Airlines Hiring Paused: Amid restructuring.
Frontier Airlines Hiring Active: New crew bases and cadet programs.
U.S. Regional Airlines
SkyWest, Piedmont, PSA, Republic, GoJet, Envoy, Mesa, Horizon, CommuteAir, Endeavor, Cape Air, Boutique Air All Hiring: Various positions from cadet to Captain. Programs: Many offer rotor transitions, flow-through to majors, and signing bonuses.
Australia & Oceania
Qantas Group (Australia) Active Recruitment: Via Qantas Group Academy.
Virgin Australia Hiring Across Ports: Partnered with Qatar Airways.
Jetstar Airways Expanding Fleet: A321LR NEO creating new jobs.
Rex Hiring FO/Captains: Cadet options available.
Airnorth & Alliance Opportunities: Multiple locations.
Bonza Status: Ceased operations (Apr 2024).
Air New Zealand, Sounds Air, Golden Bay Air (NZ)
Active Recruitment: Especially for turboprop fleets.
Air Tahiti, Fiji Airways, Air Niugini, Solomon Airlines (Pacific) All Actively Recruiting: Roles range from DHC6 to A320 Captains.
The global airline industry is experiencing a significant rebound in 2025, with major carriers and regional operators across the UK, Europe, the U.S., Australia, and Asia actively recruiting pilots to meet soaring travel demand. From fully funded cadet programs to direct entry roles for experienced Captains and First Officers, the opportunities span a wide range of experience levels and fleet types. This surge in hiring reflects a strong post-pandemic recovery and a growing need to replace retiring pilots and support fleet expansion.
For aspiring aviators and current pilots navigating this competitive landscape, having the right guidance and preparation is essential. That’s where Aviation Insider plays a crucial role. As a trusted resource in the aviation community, Aviation Insider offers a full suite of services designed to support pilots through every step of the recruitment and assessment journey. Whether you’re preparing for an airline assessment, looking to brush up on SOPs and simulator flows, or need insight into specific airline interview processes, our platform delivers expert-led solutions tailored to your needs.
We offer airline-specific preparation guides, type rating prep courses, and simulator training packages, along with access to mock interviews, psychometric testing practice, and video-based competency tutorials. Through partnerships with full-motion simulator centers and industry-leading instructors, Aviation Insider equips pilots with the tools to stand out in the hiring process, whether applying to a legacy carrier or a fast-growing regional operator.
In a rapidly changing industry, pilots who stay informed and well-prepared will gain a decisive edge. Aviation Insider is proud to support this new wave of recruitment and remains committed to helping pilots succeed at every stage of their career.
