AirAsia Pilot Salary 2026
First Officer & Captain pay scales · Updated May 2026
Southeast Asia's largest LCC. Rapid expansion across ASEAN creates high pilot demand and fast career progression.
| First Officer (entry) | MYR 96,000 /yr |
|---|---|
| First Officer (mid-career) | MYR 130,000 /yr |
| Captain (year 1) | MYR 220,000 /yr |
| Captain (top of scale) | MYR 350,000 /yr |
| Currency | MYR · Malaysia |
| Minimum hours | 1,500 total time |
| Type rating | Required before joining |
| Hiring status | Actively hiring |
| Fleet you will fly | A320, A321neo |
Cross-check these numbers against the broader 2026 pilot pay benchmarks before you commit, and if you are still building hours, see how a sponsored seat at a 2026 airline cadet program shortcuts the path to AirAsia.
Most pilots get to AirAsia the long way: a regional first. Compare these scales against the 2026 regional airline pay scales to see what your first 3–5 years actually look like, or the cargo pilot salary guide if FedEx or UPS is on your shortlist. Aiming for a US legacy seat? The step-by-step how to get hired at Delta playbook breaks down what the US legacy interview panels actually weigh.
Salary by Seat × Year
| Position | Year 1 | Year 5 | Year 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Officer | MYR 96,000 | MYR 130,000 | MYR 160,000 |
| Captain | MYR 220,000 | MYR 290,000 | MYR 350,000 |
All figures in MYR. Base pay only — does not include per diem, profit sharing or 401k/pension match where applicable.
How AirAsia Pay Compares
Same currency (MYR), captain top-of-scale ranked. Helps you sanity-check whether AirAsia pays above or below market for its peer group.
| Airline | FO Year 1 | FO Year 10 | Captain Year 1 | Captain top |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia Airlines | MYR 120,000 | MYR 200,000 | MYR 280,000 | MYR 440,000 |
| AirAsia (this page) | MYR 96,000 | MYR 160,000 | MYR 220,000 | MYR 350,000 |
Salary Progression
First Officer
Captain
Benefits & Total Compensation
Base pay is only the floor. AirAsia also includes the following package items, which can lift total comp by 20–40% above advertised base.
Fleet Types
10 pilot bases worldwide
Requirements & Career
Minimum Flight Hours
1,500
Type Rating Provided
No
Career Progression
Fast
Unionized
No
Quality of Life Rating
Based on schedule flexibility, base locations, commutability, travel benefits, and overall pilot satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a AirAsia pilot make?
A First Officer at AirAsia earns MYR 96,000 in year 1, rising to MYR 160,000 by year 10. Captains earn MYR 220,000 initially, reaching MYR 350,000 at year 10.
Is AirAsia hiring pilots in 2026?
Yes, AirAsia is actively hiring pilots in 2026. Minimum flight hours required: 1,500.
What are the minimum hours to fly for AirAsia?
AirAsia requires a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours. You may need to obtain a type rating at your own expense.
Does AirAsia provide type rating training?
No, AirAsia typically requires pilots to have a type rating before joining. Self-sponsored type ratings on A320, A321neo are common.
What is the career progression like at AirAsia?
Career progression at AirAsia is rated as "Fast". Pilots are not unionized; progression depends on company policies and growth. Quality of life is rated 3/5.
Compare With Other Asia-Pacific Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Captain: S$400,000
Cathay Pacific
Captain: HK$2,000,000
Qantas Airways
Captain: A$380,000
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Captain: ¥25,000,000
Japan Airlines
Captain: ¥25,000,000
Korean Air
Captain: ₩200,000,000
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