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American Airlines vs JetBlue Airways
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at American Airlines (AA) and JetBlue Airways (B6) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
American Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Country
United States
United States
Airline Type
Major Airline
Major Airline
IATA Code
AA
B6
Regulatory Authority
FAA
FAA
First Officer Salary
$90,000 - $200,000
$80,000 - $170,000
Captain Salary
$250,000 - $400,000+
$200,000 - $340,000
Fleet
Boeing 737, 777, 787, Airbus A319/320/321
Airbus A220, A320, A321
Requirements Comparison
American Airlines
- ATP certificate
- 1,500+ hours total time
- FAA Class 1 medical
- FCC Restricted Radiotelephone permit
- US work authorization
- 4-year degree preferred
JetBlue Airways
- ATP certificate
- 2,500+ hours total time
- 1,000+ hours turbine PIC
- FAA Class 1 medical
Pros & Cons
American Airlines
Pros
- +Industry-leading captain pay
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Large domestic route network
JetBlue Airways
Pros
- +Large domestic route network
About Each Airline
American Airlines
The world's largest airline by fleet size, American Airlines is based in Fort Worth, Texas and operates an extensive domestic and international network.
Full American Airlines career guide →JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is known for premium service on a low-cost model. Based in New York with a focus on East Coast and Caribbean routes.
Full JetBlue Airways career guide →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at American Airlines or JetBlue Airways based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
Salary Calculator