Aer Lingus, designated by the callsign “Shamrock,” is the national airline of Ireland.
It was established in 1936 by the Irish government and remained a state-owned entity until it was privatised in 2006. Today, it is a member of the International Airlines Group (IAG), which also owns British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling.
As the largest airline in Ireland by fleet size and passenger numbers, Aer Lingus operates an all-Airbus fleet from its main hub at Dublin International Airport.
The airline currently serves 97 destinations around the world and employs around 800 pilots. These pilots help the carrier manage over 200 daily flights safely and efficiently.
Pilot Roles and Responsibilities
Aer Lingus divides its cockpit crew into two categories: First Officers and Captains. First Officers serve as co-pilots, assisting in flying the aircraft, communicating with air traffic control, performing technical checks, and monitoring aircraft systems during flight.
Captains are the most senior flight crew members and are responsible for all final decisions related to flight safety, navigation, and operations. They also manage the crew and take charge during emergency situations.
Aer Lingus Pilot Salaries
Pilot salaries at Aer Lingus vary based on seniority, aircraft type, and experience.
- First Officers at Aer Lingus earn an annual basic salary ranging from €72,355 to €172,466 (approximately USD 79,000 to USD 188,000). The exact salary depends on their years of service and the aircraft they operate.
- Additionally, First Officers receive an hourly overtime rate of €85 (USD 93) for any flying hours beyond 620 hours per year.
- Captains earn significantly m⁸ore, with a basic annual salary between €125,054 and €239,691 (around USD 136,500 to USD 262,000). Similar to First Officers, they are paid an extra €120 (USD 131) per hour for any flight time exceeding 620 hours in a calendar year.
Sector-Based Allowances
In addition to their base salary and overtime rates, Aer Lingus pilots receive extra allowances depending on the destination of each flight. These allowances are as follows:
- Flights to the United Kingdom earn pilots €18 (USD 20) per sector.
- Flights to Mainland Europe provide an additional €25 (USD 27).
- Flights to the Canary Islands offer a sector allowance of €50 (USD 55).
- Flights to the East Coast of the USA pay an extra €100 (USD 110).
- Flights to the West Coast of the USA provide a higher allowance of €150 (USD 165).
Benefits Offered to Pilots
Aer Lingus offers its pilots a comprehensive range of benefits beyond just pay. These include:
- Pension Scheme: Pilots at Aer Lingus are enrolled in a pension plan where the airline contributes up to 21% of their overall salary. This allows pilots to build retirement savings through a government-protected fund.
- Stable Work Schedule: Pilots receive a predictable roster with five consecutive workdays followed by three days off. Annual leave ranges from 35 to 51 days, depending on the pilot’s length of service, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
- Staff Travel Perks: Aer Lingus pilots enjoy discounted or standby travel on Aer Lingus flights and with partner airlines. They can also access deals through Touchdown Holidays, the UK’s largest staff travel club.
- Corporate Discounts: The airline offers discounts on hotels, car rentals, and other services through its corporate partnerships. Pilots also receive free long-term parking at Dublin Airport.
- Career Development: Aer Lingus promotes internal career growth. First officers can be promoted to captains, and pilots with long-term service on narrow-body Airbus A320 aircraft can transition to wide-body Airbus A330 operations. Retired pilots may also be offered office-based roles to continue contributing their expertise.
- Insurance Coverage: All Aer Lingus pilots are covered by life and medical insurance. This protects them from high medical costs while on duty and provides financial support in the event they are unable to continue working due to health issues.
Fleet Information
Aer Lingus exclusively operates aircraft from the Airbus family. The current fleet includes:
- 27 Airbus A320-200
- 7 Airbus A320neo
- 8 Airbus A321LR
- 2 Airbus A321XLR
- 3 Airbus A330-200
- 10 Airbus A330-300
The airline also has additional aircraft on order, including 1 Airbus A320neo and 4 Airbus A321XLR.
How to Become a Pilot at Aer Lingus
To qualify as a pilot at Aer Lingus, candidates must meet several requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a valid EASA-issued ATPL or frozen ATPL
- Have a current ME/IR MCC qualification or exemption
- Possess an UPRT certificate or exemption
- Maintain a valid EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate
- Be fluent in English, meeting EASA ELP Level 5 or higher
- Be eligible to live and work in the EU/Ireland
- Hold a valid passport without travel restrictions
- Pass aviation security and background checks, including police disclosure if not an Irish citizen
- Provide two verifiable references
Aer Lingus also looks for candidates with strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, problem-solving abilities, technical knowledge, and the motivation to consistently perform at a high level under pressure.
Aer Lingus Pilot Recruitment Process
The hiring process at Aer Lingus includes the following steps:
- Application: Interested candidates must submit their resumes and required documents through the Aer Lingus careers portal.
- Online Assessment: Shortlisted candidates complete a psychometric and technical knowledge test within 72 hours of receiving the invitation.
- Interview: Candidates who pass the online test attend an in-person interview and group discussion at the Aer Lingus headquarters in Dublin.
- Simulator Exam: Applicants undergo a simulator assessment to evaluate their proficiency on Airbus aircraft.
- Conditional Offer: Successful candidates receive a conditional offer of employment, subject to background checks, medical clearance, and drug/alcohol screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Aer Lingus pilots paid?
Salaries range from €72,355 to €239,691 annually, depending on the pilot’s role, experience, and aircraft type.
What aircraft do Aer Lingus pilots fly?
Pilots fly Airbus aircraft, including the A320 family and A330 series.
Where are Aer Lingus pilots based?
All pilots are based at Dublin Airport, the airline’s sole operating hub.