Star Air is a regional airline based in India that focuses on connecting smaller cities under the government’s UDAN scheme while also serving major regional routes.
Founded in 2019 and part of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group, the airline has gradually expanded its network from its initial base in Bengaluru to several domestic destinations using efficient regional jets from Embraer. Star Air has built a reputation for serving tier-2 and tier-3 city markets with a lean fleet and specialised pilot rosters.
As the airline prepares for growth and network development in 2026, pilot recruitment and retention remain important strategic priorities. Pilot compensation at Star Air reflects the regional nature of its operations and the smaller size of its fleet, providing competitive pay within India’s low-cost and regional aviation segment.
While pay at Star Air may be lower than at the country’s larger carriers, many pilots choose the airline for earlier command opportunities, exposure to regional flying, and steady career progression. Here is a look at how much pilots are paid, the benefits they enjoy, and the requirements one must fulfill to be hired by the carrier.
Star Air Pilot Salary in 2026
Star Air First Officer Salary
In 2026, first officers at Star Air typically earn a base annual salary ranging from approximately ₹2,400,000 per year to ₹3,600,000 per year (roughly USD 29,000 to USD 44,000 per year, depending on current exchange rates).
This range reflects the starting pay for co-pilot roles in a regional airline environment, where flying duties are primarily domestic and focused on short-haul sectors. First officers are usually assigned to Embraer ERJ-145 or E175 aircraft, and pay increases steadily with flying hours and experience on type.
As first officers gain experience and seniority, their total annual earnings tend to rise toward the higher end of this range, especially if rostered on more frequent flying blocks or when operating higher-demand sectors.
Additional flying allowances, night-stop pay, and duty incentives contribute to total compensation, helping bridge the gap between base salary and take-home earnings. Many first officers find that with a few years of experience, their annual income becomes more stable and reflects their growing responsibility within the cockpit.
Star Air Captain Salary
Captains at Star Air in 2026 generally earn higher pay compared with first officers, reflecting their command responsibilities, leadership role, and accumulated flying experience. A typical captain’s salary at the airline ranges from about ₹5,000,000 per year to ₹7,000,000 per year (approximately USD 61,000 to USD 85,000 per year).
This range accounts for basic salary and standard allowances, and most captains reach this level after accruing sufficient flight hours and successfully completing command training.
More experienced captains, especially those who have served several years in command and taken on additional duties such as mentoring junior pilots or assisting with operational improvements, can see total compensation slightly above this range.
Although Star Air’s pay scale is generally more modest compared with larger full-service carriers in India, command roles at a regional airline often allow earlier opportunities to lead flights and build leadership experience. Pilots enjoy predictable progression based on flying hours and type-rating experience rather than lengthy seniority waits.
Benefits Enjoyed by Star Air Pilots
Star Air’s pilots enjoy the following benefits in addition to their salaries.
- Travel Privileges – Pilots and their eligible family members receive discounted or standby travel on Star Air flights and partner networks, helping make domestic leisure travel more affordable.
- Duty and Overnight Allowances – When pilots are rostered on flights requiring overnight stays or extended duties, they receive allowances designed to help cover accommodation and meal costs during layovers away from their home base.
- Health and Insurance Coverage – Star Air provides comprehensive medical and life insurance policies for pilots and their dependents, which support their well-being and offer financial security in case of medical emergencies.
- Retirement and Savings Plans – Pilots are eligible for employer-supported retirement schemes that help build long-term financial security beyond their active flying careers.
- Training and Career Progression Opportunities – Pilots have access to recurrent training and simulator sessions, conditional on fleet and operational requirements, helping them stay current with industry standards and build professional experience within a structured environment.
- Work-Life Balance and Leave Entitlement – Pilots receive statutory leave in accordance with Indian labour regulations, ensuring they can manage rest periods and time off between duty cycles.
- Performance and Incentive Programmes – The airline provides performance-linked incentives and other bonuses tied to flying hours, duty completion, and operational targets, offering additional financial rewards beyond base pay.
- Well-Being and Support Services – Resource programmes are available to help pilots manage workplace stress and maintain mental and physical well-being throughout their careers.
Aircraft Flown by Star Air Pilots
Star Air has the following aircraft in its fleet.
- Embraer ERJ 145LR – 2
- Embraer ERJ 175LR – 8, 2 on order.
Requirements To Become a Pilot for Star Air
Star Air has the following requirements for all its pilots, and the flying hours required under their belts are dependent on the level of experience the carrier needs to fill.
- Applicants must hold a valid Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) recognised by the Indian aviation authorities.
- Candidates must possess a current Class 1 medical certificate confirming full physical and mental fitness for commercial flying duties.
- Pilots must demonstrate strong proficiency in English, both spoken and written, for international communication and safety compliance.
- First officer candidates should meet minimum total flight hour requirements as set by the airline, with multi-engine and commercial experience preferred.
- Captain candidates must have substantial flying hours and command experience, including type-rating on regional jets where applicable.
- Applicants must show excellent decision-making, leadership, and crew coordination skills in both normal and abnormal flight scenarios.
- Strong teamwork, interpersonal communication, and cockpit resource management skills are required.
- Candidates must have the legal right to live and work in India, including any required visa or regulatory authorisations.
Hiring Process
Star Air’s pilots must pass the following steps to be hired by the airline.
- Application – Prospective pilots submit an online application via Star Air’s careers portal, including licence copies, a recent medical certificate, and a detailed résumé outlining flying experience.
- Screening – The recruitment team evaluates applications to confirm eligibility criteria, including licence validity, flight hours, and medical fitness.
- Technical Assessment – Short-listed candidates complete technical and aptitude evaluations designed to assess aviation knowledge, problem-solving ability, and understanding of operational procedures.
- Simulator Evaluation – Candidates who pass earlier stages are invited to a simulator assessment tailored to the airline’s regional jet operations, where flying skills, decision-making, and crew coordination are tested.
- Interview Stage – Pilots attend interviews with senior captains and HR staff, focusing on technical expertise, communication skills, and cultural fit.
- Medical and Background Checks – Final candidates must pass a full Class 1 medical examination and background verification before an offer is issued.
Bottom Line
In 2026, Star Air will offer competitive pilot salaries within India’s regional airline segment. First officers enjoy solid entry-level pay that increases steadily with experience, while captains benefit from early command opportunities and reliable annual earnings.
Although the salary bands at Star Air are more modest compared with full-service carriers, the airline’s focus on regional flying, structured training, and predictable progression makes it a compelling option for pilots seeking hands-on experience and career development in the domestic aviation market.
Editor’s Note: The author of this article used images of Vishal Jolapara without his consent, and after his request, we have removed the photos. Vishal Jolapara is not associated with our website.
Star Air Pilot Salary FAQs
In 2026, first officers at Star Air typically earn between ₹2,400,000 and ₹3,600,000 per year, depending on experience and flying hours.
Captains with Star Air generally earn between ₹5,000,000 and ₹7,000,000 per year in 2026, with variations based on seniority and duties.
Pilots are primarily based in Star Air’s key operational cities, such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Belgaum, flying domestic regional sectors.
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