LATAM Airlines Pilot Career Guide
Latin America's largest airline group, LATAM operates across South America with international routes to North America, Europe, and Oceania.
First Officer Salary
$40,000 - $80,000
Captain Salary
$100,000 - $180,000
Salary Progression
Year 1 FO
$42,000
Year 5 FO
$65,000
Year 10 Captain
$130,000
Year 20 Captain
$175,000
Bonuses & Perks
Variable pay based on flight hours. Productivity bonuses. Some bases offer housing supplements.
Retirement
Country-specific pension. AFP system in Chile. INSS in Brazil.
Pilot Reviews & Ratings
Based on pilot forum data
Pros
- Latin America's largest airline with extensive network
- Diverse flying from domestic turboprops to international widebody
- Modern fleet with 787 and A350 on order
- Oneworld membership provides global connectivity
- Post-bankruptcy restructuring improved financial stability
Cons
- Pay significantly below US and European carriers
- Local economic instability in key markets (Chile, Brazil, Colombia)
- Language barriers between bases (Spanish vs Portuguese operations)
- Post-Chapter 11 restructuring reduced benefits
- Career progression varies significantly by base country
Fleet & Routes
| Aircraft | Count | Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Airbus A319/A320/A321 | 163 | Domestic and regional South America |
| Boeing 767-300ER | 14 | Medium-haul international |
| Boeing 777-300ER | 10 | Long-haul to Europe and Oceania |
| Boeing 787-8/9 | 35 | International long-haul |
Interview & Selection Process
Online application through LATAM careers portal
Document screening (licenses, hours, medical)
Technical knowledge assessment (aircraft systems, regulations)
Panel interview with training and HR
Simulator evaluation on fleet type
Medical examination and background check
Pilot Lifestyle
Work Schedule
Typically 75-85 block hours/month. Domestic turnarounds and multi-day international trips. Variable roster depending on base country.
Home Base
Base depends on nationality and fleet. SCL (Santiago) and GRU (Sao Paulo) are the largest bases.
Travel Benefits
Standby travel on LATAM group airlines. Oneworld alliance travel benefits. Staff fares available.
Commutable?
Limited — may require relocation
Hubs & Pilot Bases
Main Hubs
Pilot Bases
Union & Representation
Pilots at LATAM Airlines are represented by Various by country (SPLA in Chile, ABRAPAG in Brazil).
Latest Developments
LATAM emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2022 with stronger balance sheet
Fleet renewal accelerating with Boeing 787 orders and A321neo family acquisitions
Pilot hiring resumed across multiple bases as South American travel demand recovered
Pilot Requirements
DGAC ATPL or ICAO equivalent
1,500+ hours total
Class 1 medical
Spanish and/or Portuguese proficiency
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