Pilot Job Openings - Week ending 26 July
Welcome to this week's roundup of pilot job openings from around the world. We scan official airline career pages and reputable aviation job boards to bring you legitimate, current opportunities — from First Officer roles to Direct Entry Captain positions. Whether you're chasing your first jet job or looking for your next command, these pilot jobs are open right now.
New openings are added every week, so bookmark this page and check back regularly.
🌏 Australia / New Zealand & the Pacific
Air New Zealand — Jet Fleet Pilot (Expression of Interest)
Role: Second Officer (B787/B777) or First Officer (A320/A321)
Base: Auckland, New Zealand
Details: Expression of interest for external pilots to join the jet fleet. Minimum 1,500 hours total time, 100 hours multi-engine, 40 hours instrument, 25 hours night. Must hold NZ CAA licence and be eligible to live/work in NZ or Australia. Turboprop Fleet First Officer EOI also open.
QantasLink — Direct Entry First Officer
Role: First Officer (Dash 8-Q400)
Base: Various Australian bases
Details: Qantas's regional subsidiary is hiring Direct Entry First Officers. Minimum 500 hours total flight time. Must hold CASA or NZ CAA Pilot Licence/Medical and have the right to live/work in Australia. (Note: Qantas mainline is not currently accepting pilot applications — but QantasLink is actively recruiting.)
careers.qantas.com — QantasLink Pilots →
Rex Airlines — Saab 340 Captain
Role: Captain (type-rated and non-type-rated)
Base: Various Australian regional bases
Details: Rex is expanding and seeking both type-rated and non-type-rated Saab 340 Captains. Rex also operates a pilot academy for those starting out. (Note: Rex's mainline jet operations have ceased, but regional Saab 340 operations continue.)
pilotsglobal.com — Rex Airlines Pilot Jobs →
Fiji Airways — A330/A350 First Officer
Role: First Officer (Widebody)
Base: Nadi, Fiji (commuting options available)
Details: Hiring A330/A350 type-rated and non-rated First Officers. Minimum 2,000–3,000 hours total depending on pathway. B737NG First Officer roles also available. Commuting contracts offered.
Jetstar (Australia/NZ) — Not Currently Accepting Applications
Role: N/A
Details: Jetstar is not currently accepting pilot applications in Australia or New Zealand. However, interested pilots are encouraged to monitor the page, as windows open periodically. (Jetstar Japan is hiring A320/321 Captains — see Asia section.)
careers.jetstar.com — Pilots →
🌏 Asia and the Middle East
Emirates — Direct Entry Captain & First Officer
Role: Direct Entry Captain, Accelerated Command, First Officer
Base: Dubai, UAE
Details: Emirates is undertaking a major recruitment drive, aiming to hire ~1,500 pilots across 2025–26. First Officer: minimum 2,000 hours total flying time (4,000+ hours for enhanced package). Direct Entry Captain: minimum 7,000 hours total, 2,000+ hours PIC on multi-crew aircraft, with 150 hours in the past 12 months on type. Fleet includes B777, B787, and A350.
emiratesgroupcareers.com — Pilots →
Qatar Airways — Captain & First Officer
Role: Captain, First Officer (various fleet types)
Base: Doha, Qatar
Details: Qatar Airways is actively recruiting pilots across its fleet. Applications are managed through the Qatar Airways careers portal. First Officer requirements typically include 1,500+ hours total time with 500+ hours on multi-crew jet aircraft.
Singapore Airlines — Direct Entry First Officer & Captain (Contract)
Role: Direct Entry First Officer, Direct Entry Captain, Ab Initio Cadet Pilot
Base: Singapore
Details: SIA is recruiting Direct Entry First Officers and Captains on contract terms, plus Ab Initio Cadet Pilots (Singapore-based). Cadet programme requires minimum GCE 'O' Level credits. Direct Entry roles require relevant type ratings and experience.
careers.singaporeair.com — Pilots →
Etihad Airways — Captain (A320 & Widebody)
Role: Captain A320 (Instructor & Non-type Rated), Captain Airbus Widebody
Base: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Details: Etihad is recruiting experienced Captains across A320 and widebody fleets. Salary up to USD 180,000 for Captains, up to USD 138,000 for First Officers. Virtual recruitment roadshow scheduled for August 6, 2026.
flydubai — First Officer & Second Officer
Role: First Officer (rated), Second Officer (ab initio pathway)
Base: Dubai, UAE
Details:First Officer: minimum 1,500 MPA hours, valid ICAO ATPL, type-rated on Boeing. Second Officer: CPL holders, age 20–35, pathway to First Officer. Competitive salary with housing allowance. (Ab Initio 2026 intake is closed; 2027 applications will reopen.)
careers.flydubai.com — Pilots →
Cathay Pacific — First Officer (Direct Entry) & Cadet Pilot
Role: Direct Entry First Officer, Cadet Pilot
Base: Hong Kong
Details: Cathay is on a global recruitment drive, hiring 3,000 employees including pilots in 2026. Direct Entry First Officer: minimum 1,500 hours on multi-crew civil aircraft. Cadet Programme: applications open year-round (~80-week programme). Recruitment event scheduled for August 22, 2026 (registration by August 7).
careers.cathaypacific.com — Pilots →
Oman Air — Captain (B737 & B787)
Role: Captain
Base: Muscat, Oman
Details: Hiring experienced Captains on B737 and B787 fleets. Minimum 5,000 total hours, 1,500 PIC on multi-pilot aircraft. Selective expat hiring. Cadet Pilot scheme also available for Omani nationals.
Jetstar Japan — A320/321 Captain
Role: Captain
Base: Various, Japan
Details: Hiring JCAB-licensed A320/321 Captains. (Subsidiary of the Jetstar/Qantas Group — while Jetstar Australia is not currently hiring, Jetstar Japan is actively recruiting.)
career-jp.jetstar.com — Pilots →
🌏United States of America & Canada
Delta Air Lines — First Officer
Role: First Officer
Base: Various US bases (Atlanta headquarters)
Details: Delta plans to hire 2,400–2,600 pilots in 2026. Competitive pay — average pilot compensation approximately $388,000/year. Application process includes online assessment, panel interview, and final selection. Must hold FAA ATP certificate.
United Airlines — First Officer
Role: First Officer
Base: Various US hub bases
Details: United plans to hire approximately 1,700–2,000 pilots in 2026. Starting hourly rate for new hire First Officers: $125.52/flight hour. Also operates the Aviate development programme for aspiring pilots.
American Airlines — First Officer
Role: First Officer
Base: Various US hub bases
Details: American is on track to hire approximately 1,500 pilots in 2026 to offset over 800 retirements. Taking delivery of 35 additional aircraft. Holistic candidate evaluation process. Must hold FAA ATP with multi-engine land.
Southwest Airlines — First Officer
Role: First Officer
Base: Various US bases
Details: Southwest plans to hire approximately 1,072 pilots in 2026. The First Officer application is currently closed but expected to reopen. Monitor the careers page for the next window.
careers.southwestair.com — Pilots →
Air Canada — Pilot
Role: Pilot (various)
Base: Toronto and other Canadian bases
Details: Air Canada is accepting applications from non-AC-Express pilots (posted February 2026). Open to experienced pilots meeting Air Canada's qualification standards.
careers.aircanada.com — Flight Operations & Pilots →
WestJet Encore — Q400 First Officer
Role: First Officer (Dash 8-Q400)
Base: Calgary (YYC), Canada
Details: WestJet Encore is hiring Q400 First Officers for 2026. (Subsidiary of the WestJet Group — a common pathway to WestJet mainline.) Application deadline: August 2, 2026.
🌏UK & Europe
British Airways — Direct Entry First Officer (A320 Family) & BA Euroflyer Direct Entry Pilot
Role: Direct Entry First Officer, Direct Entry Pilot
Base: London Heathrow / London Gatwick
Details: BA has launched one of its largest pilot recruitment campaigns. A320 Family DEFO: minimum 1,500 hours total, 500 hours on type, current type rating required. Starting salary £65,420 + circa £14,500 allowances. BA Euroflyer DEP (Gatwick-based): applications close July 31, 2026. Direct Entry Long-Haul campaign closed July 19. BA Cityflyer also recruiting Direct Entry Captains/Pilots.
Wizz Air — Cadet to Direct Entry Captain
Role: Cadet, First Officer, Direct Entry Captain
Base: Various European bases
Details: Wizz Air is recruiting 1,200 new pilots by 2028 (including 240 from the UK). Offers various roster patterns, commuting options, and rapid command progression. Open to pilots from cadet level through to Direct Entry Captain. Pilot Academy also available.
careers.wizzair.com — Pilot Jobs →
Virgin Atlantic — First Officer (Boeing)
Role: First Officer, Senior First Officer
Base: London, UK
Details: Virgin Atlantic is looking for Boeing pilots. Minimum 1,500 hours total flying time for First Officer, 3,000 hours for Senior First Officer. Must hold relevant type rating.
careers.virginatlantic.com — Pilots →
Air France — Cadet Pilot Programme
Role: Cadet Pilot
Base: Paris, France
Details: Fully funded 24-month training programme. Applications open June 15 – July 31, 2026. Direct career path to Air France and its subsidiaries. For candidates with little or no previous flying experience. Must meet French nationality/EU eligibility requirements.
corporate.airfrance.com — Airline Pilot →
Lufthansa Group — Pilot (Cadet & Direct Entry)
Role: First Officer, Captain, Cadet
Base: Various German and European bases
Details: Lufthansa Group is recruiting across its airlines, offering both cadet training (via European Flight Academy) and direct entry opportunities. Selection includes DLR aptitude testing and simulator assessment.
lufthansagroup.careers — Pilot →
TUI — Pilot
Role: First Officer, Captain
Base: Various European bases
Details: TUI is recruiting pilots across its European operations. Offers a range of fleet types and route networks covering both short-haul and long-haul flying.
careers.tuigroup.com — Pilots →
🌍 Africa
Ethiopian Airlines — Direct Entry Captain (Multiple Types)
Role: Direct Entry Captain
Base: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Details: Hiring type-rated Captains on Boeing 737, 757, 767, 777, 787 and Airbus A350. Minimum 3,500 hours jet time, 2,500 hours PIC on jet. English Level 4+. Competitive salary and benefits. Also operates a self-sponsored Trainee Pilot programme (age 18–30).
corporate.ethiopianairlines.com — Careers →
Air Peace — Captain & First Officer (Multiple Types)
Role: B777 Captain, E190/195 Captain, E145 Captain & First Officer
Base: Lagos, Nigeria (commuting contract available)
Details: West and Central Africa's largest airline is hiring across multiple fleet types. Commuting contracts with 8 weeks on / 3 weeks off. Increased salary on offer. (Partners with Rishworth Aviation for expat recruitment.)
South African Airways — Pilot
Role: First Officer (various)
Base: Johannesburg, South Africa
Details: SAA is recruiting pilots with valid SACAA Commercial Pilot Licence, minimum 1,000 hours total flying time. Applicants must be South African citizens. Choice of fleet types and route network covering long-haul and short-haul.
flysaa.com — Direct Flight to Your Career →
Kenya Airways — First Officer
Role: First Officer
Base: Nairobi, Kenya
Details: Kenya Airways is recruiting First Officers. Minimum 200 flight hours (excluding simulator) with valid CPL and Instrument Rating. Entry-level opportunity for low-hour commercial pilots.
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⚠️ Important Notes
Qantas mainline is not currently accepting pilot applications, but subsidiary QantasLink is actively hiring First Officers.
Jetstar Australia/NZ is not currently accepting applications, but Jetstar Japan is hiring A320/321 Captains.
Aer Lingus Direct Entry Pilot Programme is closed for 2025/26 — monitor for next intake.
Asiana Airlines has paused hiring due to its merger integration with Korean Air.
Always check the airline's official career page for the most up-to-date requirements, deadlines, and application status.
Disclaimer: My Flight Deck Prep compiles this information from publicly available sources. Always verify details and requirements directly on the airline's official career page before applying. This list is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of employment.