9 Best Airlines To Work For as a Pilot (FAQs)

One of the most taxing jobs in the world is a pilot.

These professionals ensure that everyone onboard an aircraft is safe irrespective of weather conditions or mechanical challenges.

If you are a pilot, the last thing you want is to work for a company that does not even regard you well and downplays your skills.

Nevertheless, you must know that while many airlines are known for mistreating their pilots, several airlines still treat the pilots on their payroll very well.

This post will cover the best airlines to work for as a pilot, which are those airlines that offer an excellent income, favorable working conditions, safety, and a good reputation for excellent service delivery.

Table of Contents

What are the Best Airlines to Work For as a Pilot?

Here are the top airlines that any pilot should look to work for:

1. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is one of the best airlines to work for as a pilot. This airline runs most of its operations within the United States.

They are famous for maintaining a conducive working environment for their staff, enhancing their productivity.

If you get to work as a pilot for this airline, you will surely enjoy excellent benefits such as free trips for family members.

Southwest Airlines pilots are among the best-earning pilots in the aviation industry. While a new pilot earns close to $60,000 annually, captains earn close to $200,000 annually.

Furthermore, Southwest Airlines treats their employees very well, and they are known for taking good care of the interests of their employees.

It is one option that every pilot must consider when searching for a pilot job across Airlines.

2. Regional Airlines

Regional Airlines is a renowned airline that has made a mark in the aviation industry for facilitating the transportation of passengers by air between small and regional airports.

Unlike some airlines on this list, Regional Airlines only cover shorter distances.

Although this airline is more of a local airline, it is still an excellent choice for people searching for a pilot job.

The salary of pilots working for Regional Airlines may not be mind-blowing like most airlines on this list, but the cost of living for this airline is not high either, making the salary size a good one.

Regional Airlines is an excellent choice for pilots looking to kickstart their careers in the aviation industry. The median income of pilots working for Regional Airlines is about $75,000 per annum.

Even though it is not comparable to mega airlines, it is still impressive pay for a pilot job.

Besides the salary, another thing that makes Regional Airlines one of the ideal airlines to work for as a pilot is their comfortable working environment.

3. Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines is one of the best airlines to work for as a pilot.

This bank runs its operations in the United States and is currently one of the top airline brands in the world.

Delta Airlines is renowned for its excellent service delivery and good safety history.

Pilots that work for this airline make so much money yearly, with the median income of their pilots currently at about $108,000 per annum.

Besides an impressive average income, Delta Airlines pilots also earn good benefits such as free air trips for family members and medical insurance.

This airline also offers good working conditions and has an excellent safety record. It is a dream company for many pilots.

4. Lufthansa

Lufthansa is the number-one German airline and one of the top-ranking airlines in Europe. It is renowned for the excellent working conditions that it offers to pilots that work for them.

The median income of pilots employed by Lufthansa is about $95,000 per annum. Other benefits offered to Lufthansa pilots include free housing and transportation, among other attractive benefits.

The company offers a conducive working environment to ensure that pilots are not distracted from their responsibilities to their best capacities.

Lufthansa is an excellent option for Europeans looking to launch their pilot career.

5. United Airlines

United Airlines is a must-add to this list.

Any pilot searching for an airline that offers good working conditions and prioritizes the welfare of their pilots should look to work for United Airlines.

One of the outstanding qualities of this airline is its exemplary safety record, with the airline recording zero plane crashes that have led to the loss of life in the last ten years.

Besides their excellent safety history, United Airlines also pays their pilots well, with the median salary of pilots working for this airline currently at about $130,000 per annum, which is higher than that of many airlines worldwide.

Additionally, United Airlines is an excellent option for pilots at the beginning of their careers, as they pay about $55,000 to pilots with minimal experience.

6. Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is an excellent addition to this list. This American airline has been in operation for more than 90 years now.

Many organizations regard Alaska Airlines as one of the world’s best airlines; besides offering its customers quality service, this brand also treats importantly the welfare of its pilots.

The fact that they also have a good safety history also makes them an attractive company for any pilot.

Additionally, Alaska Airlines pay their pilots very well. The median income of pilots working for this airline is currently about $140,000 per annum.

Their pilots enjoy other perks, including medical insurance and accessible air travel for family members.

Alaska Airlines is one option that no pilot looking for a reliable airline to work should overlook when searching for a job.

7. Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic is one of the best airlines to work for as a pilot. This airline operates from the United Kingdom and covers huge distances within several countries.

If you are looking to pilot an airline in the UK, Virgin Atlantic should be the first name on your list of prospective employers to consider.

In addition to an average salary of about $107,000, pilots working for this airline enjoy other benefits, and their work conditions are very enticing.

Because the average income of most airlines in the UK is about £26,000, Virgin Atlantic’s salary is arguably the best among airlines that run operations within the UK.

It is an excellent place to work as a pilot.

8. JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways is an excellent addition to the list of the best airlines to work for as a pilot.

This company operates in the United States and covers several world countries.

Working as a pilot for this airline can place you on an average annual income of about $120,000.

Besides the attractive salary, JetBlue Airways also offers medical insurance and free travel services to their pilots.

This airline has a reputation for excellence which makes its exemplary safety record particularly unsurprising.

JetBlue Airways has never been involved in a crash resulting in the loss of human lives, which is a remarkable feat.

9. Emirates

Emirates is one of the best airlines in the world and one of the most popular airline companies globally.

This international airline company is well-regarded worldwide for its excellent services.

Most people know them to be the sponsors of several sports teams, with the famous Emirates stadium in North London, England, home to the men’s team of Arsenal Football Club, named after the brand.

This company which runs most of its operations from its Dubai base has one of the largest fleets of airplanes in the world.

Emirates pays their pilots very well. Besides the attractive salary, any pilot working for this company will receive other excellent incentives such as free transportation and housing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Best Airlines to Work as a Pilot

Is airline pilot a good career path?

There are numerous positives to pursuing an aviation career. To begin with, it’s a highly adaptable and unrestrictive profession. As pilots, you’ll have the opportunity to see the world and encounter various climates and landscapes.

What are the drawbacks of becoming a pilot?

Being a pilot is quite challenging. These workers work long and sometimes irregular shifts. Besides the time and money required to complete flight training, being a pilot is highly competitive. Becoming a pilot is a pretty demanding profession.

Where can I become a pilot at a low cost?

The pilot training and licensing cost in the Philippines is significantly lower than in many other countries.

Why do most people avoid a pilot career?

Lack of financial resources is the primary factor preventing many individuals from becoming a pilot. The cost of pilot education is very high. However, scholarships, loans, and other forms of student aid can help cover the cost of pilot training.

Conclusion

This article has done very well to empower you with a summary of the best airlines to work as a pilot.

No matter what factor you consider most important to you when selecting an airline, there is no doubt that you will discover a suitable option here.

However, before looking for a job as a pilot, reflect on what you want to achieve from an airline. Deciding on this will enable you to reduce your choices and identify the airline that suits you perfectly.

Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.

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9 Best Airlines To Work For as a Pilot (FAQs)