Aer Lingus (EI) is the flag carrier of Ireland. The airline was founded in 1936 by the Government of Ireland and remained publicly owned until its privatisation in 2006. Presently, Aer Lingus, also known famously as Shamrock for its callsign, is owned by the International Airlines Group, which also runs British Airways, Iberia and Vueling.
Aer Lingus is the largest Irish airline in terms of fleet and passengers flown. They utilise a fleet entirely dominated by Airbus aircraft to fly to 97 destinations around the world from their Dublin International Airport base. They have approximately 800 pilots on their payroll who aid the small but very successful carrier in safely operating over 200 flights daily.
Here is a comprehensive look at how much the carrier’s pilots are paid and the other benefits they are entitled to.
Aer Lingus pilot salary
Aer Lingus first Officer’s salary
Aer Lingus first officers ensure safety and efficient operation of an aircraft from its origin to destination, while also being responsible for communication with air traffic control, carrying out checks on the plane’s vital systems and monitoring in-flight data alongside the captain. They rank one level below the captain in the airline’s order of crew seniority.
EI first officers receive a salary between The commanders at Aer Lingus earn a significantly higher salary than their first officer counterparts, with the basic pay ranging from €72,355 and €172,466 per year (approx. US$79,000 to US$188,000) per year. The number is variable depending on their overall years of experience in the career, as well as the type of aircraft flown.
Aer Lingus also pays its first officers a flat rate of €85 per hour (US$93) for each unit over and above the 620 flying hours mark each year.
Aer Lingus Captain’s salary
Aer Lingus captains are their senior-most category of cockpit crew and are responsible for safely flying the aircraft from the origin to its destination. They make important decisions regarding emergency situations, navigations and overall operations of the flight, while also effectively managing the workload of their co-pilots and cabin crew on longer flights.
The commanders at Aer Lingus earn a significantly higher salary than their first officer counterparts, with the basic pay ranging from €125,054 to €239,691 annually (approx. US$136,500 to US$262,000).
The final payout depends on overall experience and aircraft type flown, while an additional hourly payment of €120 (US$131) is made when 620 flying hours are surpassed in a calendar year.
Over and above their salaries, first officers and captains also receive a payment for allowances depending on the sectors they fly to in accordance with the following breakdown:
- United Kingdom – €18 (US$20)
- Mainland Europe – €25 (US$27)
- Canary Islands – €50 (US$55)
- USA (East Coast) – €100 (US$110)
- USA (West Coast) – €150 (US$165)
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Benefits enjoyed by Aer Lingus pilots
Over and above their basic salary, hourly rates in case they cross 620 flying hours per year, and sector-wise payments, Aer Lingus pilots are eligible to avail of the following benefits.
- PENSION SCHEME – Aer Lingus has a pension scheme for all of its pilots with up to 21% employer contribution of the overall salary package. This encourages saving habits among employees and allows them to withdraw a sizeable payment from a government-protected fund once they reach the legal retirement age.
- STABLE ROSTER – Aer Lingus releases a stable roster for all its pilots, guaranteeing them five days of work and three days off in a row thereafter. This is in addition to an annual leave quote of 35 to 51 days depending on the length of service. It is an incentive provided by the airline for pilots to maximise their work-life balance.
- STAFF TRAVEL – Aer Lingus pilots are eligible to avail staff travel benefits on-board the carrier and their codeshare partners. They can wait for standby seating on flights at the last minute or avail discounted rates exclusively valid for pilots. Additionally, they can make use of discounts on Touchdown Holidays – the largest staff travel club in United Kingdom.
- CORPORATE DEALS – In addition to concessional flights on its network, Aer Lingus also leverages its corporate relationships to offer discounted car rentals, hotels and other similar deals to its pilots. There is also free vehicle parking available at Dublin Airport for all the carrier’s employees for an unlimited duration.
- INTERNAL PROGRESSION – Aer Lingus offers unparalleled growth opportunities internally. Pilots flying the Airbus A320 family for a long duration are promoted to fly the Airbus A330, while first officers are also consistently levelled up to captain positions. Additionally, for pilots retiring, there are office-based vacancies to utilise their skillsets as well.
- INSURANCE PROTECTION – Aer Lingus pilots are protected by medical and life insurance policies. This ensures that they do not have to face unforeseen expenditure on treatments globally while they are on duty with the carrier, while also being guaranteed to receive a sizeable payment in case of unforeseen events leading to incapability to continue working.
Fleet
Aer Lingus has a fleet exclusively dominated by Airbus aircraft. Here is a breakdown of the airplanes that their pilots can fly.
- Airbus A320-200 – 27
- Airbus A320neo – 7
- Airbus A321LR – 8
- Airbus A321XLR – 2
- Airbus A330-200 – 3
- Airbus A330-300 – 10
In addition to its existing fleet, Aer Lingus has the following planes on order.
- Airbus A320neo – 1
- Airbus A321XLR – 4
How to become a pilot at Aer Lingus?
Aer Lingus requires its pilots to fulfil the below criteria while certain behavioural facets are also looked upon favourably in interested candidates.
- 18 years of age or above
- A valid EASA issued ATPL (or frozen ATPL)
- A current ME/IR
- MCC qualification or exemption (No requirement for APS MCC)
- AUPRT Certificate or exemption
- EASA Class 1 Medical certificate
- Fluent in written and spoken English – EASA ELP Level 5 or greater
- Eligible to live and work permanently in the EU/Ireland
- Valid unrestricted worldwide passport
- Able to pass an aviation security vetting process, which includes an enhanced background check (If you are not an Irish citizen, you will require a current police disclosure certificate from your home country, if successful.)
- Two verifiable references
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Flexibility and willingness to work outside of normal office hours
- Strong communication skills
- Technical awareness
- Strong team player with ability to build and maintain positive working relationships and demonstrate leadership qualities
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making competency
- Ability and motivation to achieve a constant high level of performance
- Ability to process large volumes of information in a short period of time to achieve the academic standard required
Aer Lingus’ hiring process for pilots
Aer Lingus follows the steps below in its hiring process:
- APPLICATION – An application is made by the interested candidate on Aer Lingus’ careers portal. They are required to submit their resume and all other relevant documents to back up their interest in the role.
- ONLINE ASSESSMENT – Shortlisted candidates are sent an online assessment to be taken within 72 hours of receiving the same. This is designed to test their psychometric abilities and technical knowledge about the pilot role advertised.
- INTERVIEW – Once candidates pass an online assessment, they are invited to the Aer Lingus headquarters in Dublin to undertake an in-person interview, while a group discussion is also held to assess their performance in a real-world situation.
- SIMULATOR EXAM – At the headquarters in Dublin, Aer Lingus pilot candidates are also required to undergo a simulator test for the recruitment team to ascertain their proficiency on the Airbus family of aircraft the airline operates.
- CONDITIONAL OFFER – All candidates who pass the simulator exam are presented with a conditional offer, which converts into a full-time employment contract subject to clearing a background check, medical tests in accordance with the company requirements, and an intoxicant screening.
Aer Lingus pilot FAQs
Aer Lingus pilots receive a salary between €72,355 to €239,691 per annum depending on their overall experience, seniority at the airline and the type of aircraft flown.
Aer Lingus pilots fly airplanes solely dominated by an Airbus fleet of the A320 family and A330.
Aer Lingus has only one operating base – Dublin Airport – with pilots required to be within convenient commuting distance of the hub.
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