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easyJet vs Ryanair
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at easyJet (U2) and Ryanair (FR) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
easyJet
Ryanair
Country
United Kingdom
Ireland
Airline Type
Low-Cost Carrier
Low-Cost Carrier
IATA Code
U2
FR
Regulatory Authority
EASA
EASA
First Officer Salary
£45,000 - £80,000
€35,000 - €70,000
Captain Salary
£110,000 - £160,000
€120,000 - €180,000
Fleet
Airbus A319/320/321neo
Boeing 737 (all variants)
Requirements Comparison
easyJet
- EASA/UK ATPL
- Class 1 medical
- Airbus type rating preferred
- 250+ hours on type
Ryanair
- EASA frozen ATPL
- Class 1 medical
- Boeing 737 type rating
- EU right to work
Pros & Cons
easyJet
Pros
- +Faster career progression
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
Cons
- –Higher workload with quick turnarounds
- –Type rating required before application
Ryanair
Pros
- +Faster career progression
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
Cons
- –Higher workload with quick turnarounds
- –Lower starting FO salary compared to US/Gulf carriers
- –Type rating required before application
About Each Airline
easyJet
Major European LCC with bases across the UK and Europe. All-Airbus fleet with good work-life balance for a low-cost carrier.
Full easyJet career guide →Ryanair
Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers. Single-type Boeing 737 fleet with bases across Europe. Known for rapid career progression.
Full Ryanair career guide →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at easyJet or Ryanair based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
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