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Air Canada vs Delta Air Lines
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at Air Canada (AC) and Delta Air Lines (DL) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Air Canada
Delta Air Lines
Country
Canada
United States
Airline Type
Major Airline
Major Airline
IATA Code
AC
DL
Regulatory Authority
FAA
FAA
First Officer Salary
C$80,000 - C$150,000
$95,000 - $210,000
Captain Salary
C$180,000 - C$300,000
$260,000 - $420,000+
Fleet
Boeing 737 MAX/767/777/787, Airbus A220/319/320/321/330
Boeing 737, 757, 767, 777, Airbus A220/320/321/330/350
Requirements Comparison
Air Canada
- Transport Canada ATPL
- Class 1 medical
- Canadian work authorization
- Bilingual (English/French) an asset
Delta Air Lines
- ATP certificate
- 1,500+ hours total time
- FAA Class 1 medical
- 4-year degree preferred
- Strong leadership and CRM skills
Pros & Cons
Air Canada
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
Delta Air Lines
Pros
- +Industry-leading captain pay
- +Large domestic route network
About Each Airline
Air Canada
Canada's flag carrier operates global routes from hubs in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
Full Air Canada career guide →Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is consistently ranked as a top employer among US airlines, known for its strong company culture and competitive compensation.
Full Delta Air Lines career guide →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at Air Canada or Delta Air Lines based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
Salary Calculator