easyJet Pilot Career Guide
Major European LCC with bases across the UK and Europe. All-Airbus fleet with good work-life balance for a low-cost carrier.
First Officer Salary
£45,000 - £80,000
Captain Salary
£110,000 - £160,000
Salary Progression
Year 1 FO
£50,000 (UK bases) / €45,000 (European bases)
Year 5 FO
£70,000 (UK) / €65,000 (Europe)
Year 10 Captain
£140,000 (UK) / €130,000 (Europe)
Year 20 Captain
£158,000 (UK) / €150,000 (Europe)
Bonuses & Perks
Company performance bonus scheme. Overtime at enhanced rates during peak summer.
Retirement
UK: Auto-enrollment pension with employer contribution. Europe: varies by base country.
Pilot Reviews & Ratings
Based on pilot forum data
Pros
- Good work-life balance with no overnight layovers
- Modern all-Airbus fleet with A320neo entering service
- Multiple base options across Europe for lifestyle choice
- Faster captain upgrade than most legacy carriers (5-7 years)
- Better company culture than competitor Ryanair
Cons
- Pay below legacy flag carriers
- Cadets historically paid for own type rating
- High sector count per day can be tiring
- No long-haul or widebody career progression
- UK bases face challenges post-Brexit for EU nationals
Fleet & Routes
| Aircraft | Count | Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Airbus A319 | 68 | European short-haul |
| Airbus A320 | 130 | European network |
| Airbus A320neo | 48 | European network (fuel efficient) |
| Airbus A321neo | 22 | Higher-demand routes |
Interview & Selection Process
Online application via easyJet pilot careers
Online aptitude tests (numerical, verbal, spatial reasoning)
Video interview with competency-based questions
Assessment day: group exercise, technical interview, and simulator
Simulator assessment on Airbus A320 profile
Offer and base selection, medical and background check
Pilot Lifestyle
Work Schedule
5/4 or 5/3 roster pattern. No layovers—all flights return to base. Early starts from 05:00 common.
Home Base
Choose from 30+ bases across Europe. Must reside near base. Base swaps available by seniority.
Travel Benefits
Discounted easyJet flights. Limited interline travel. Staff standby fares on easyJet network.
Commutable?
Limited — may require relocation
Hubs & Pilot Bases
Main Hubs
Pilot Bases
Cadet Program
easyJet Generation Pilot Programme
Ab-initio training programme with partner flight schools leading to Airbus A320 type rating and first officer position at easyJet.
Union & Representation
Pilots at easyJet are represented by BALPA (UK), various unions by country.
Latest Developments
easyJet accelerating A320neo family deliveries to replace older A319 fleet
Generation Pilot Programme expanded with additional training organization partnerships
Record passenger numbers post-pandemic with summer 2024 being strongest ever
Pilot Requirements
EASA/UK ATPL
Class 1 medical
Airbus type rating preferred
250+ hours on type
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