Air Mauritius (MK) is the national airline of Mauritius and one of the country’s most important links with Africa, Europe, Asia and other international markets.
Based at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, the airline operates a relatively small but diverse fleet, combining Airbus wide-body aircraft for long-haul services with ATR turboprops for regional and inter-island flying.
Air Mauritius Pilot Salary in 2026
For pilots, Air Mauritius offers opportunities across both regional and long-haul operations. Its current fleet includes the Airbus A350-900, Airbus A330-900neo, Airbus A330-200 and ATR 72, giving pilots the opportunity to build experience on modern Airbus aircraft or regional turboprops.
The airline is also actively recruiting direct-entry first officers for its A330 and A350 fleet in 2026, with applications for the current vacancy open until 31 December 2026.
Air Mauritius First Officer Salary
Air Mauritius first officer salaries vary according to fleet, seniority, experience and flying activity. Because the airline does not publish the complete 2026 salary scale publicly, an indicative range for a first officer is around MUR 120,000 to MUR 250,000 per month (approximately USD 2,700 to USD 5,600), with the higher end applying to more experienced pilots and larger aircraft. This gives an estimated annual base salary of around MUR 1.44 million to MUR 3 million (approximately USD 32,000 to USD 67,000).
The overall package can be higher once flight-duty payments, allowances, the annual bonus and other contractual benefits are included. Air Mauritius’ current pilot recruitment information confirms that remuneration includes a base-pay component, flight-duty-related variable pay, a one-month end-of-year bonus and a gratuity equivalent to 25% of salary.
Air Mauritius Captain Salary
Air Mauritius captain salaries are significantly higher, particularly for pilots operating the airline’s Airbus A330 and A350 long-haul fleet. An indicative 2026 range is around MUR 350,000 to MUR 600,000 per month (approximately USD 7,800 to USD 13,400), producing an estimated annual base salary of around MUR 4.2 million to MUR 7.2 million (approximately USD 94,000 to USD 161,000).
Actual earnings can vary considerably depending on seniority, aircraft type, flight-duty activity and allowances. The current Air Mauritius pilot package also includes an end-of-year bonus equal to one month’s basic salary and a gratuity worth 25% of salary, meaning total annual compensation can be materially higher than the basic salary alone.
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Benefits Enjoyed by Air Mauritius Pilots
Air Mauritius pilots are offered the following benefits when employed by the carrier.
- Competitive Salary – Pilots receive a structured salary package that combines basic pay with variable flight-duty compensation and additional allowances.
- End-of-Year Bonus – The current pilot employment package includes an end-of-year bonus equivalent to one month’s basic salary.
- Gratuity – Air Mauritius lists a gratuity of 25% of salary as part of its fixed compensation package, providing an additional component beyond ordinary monthly pay.
- Flight-Related Pay – Pilots can receive variable compensation linked to their flight-duty activity, allowing earnings to increase according to operational flying.
- Travel Privileges – Pilots receive travel privileges under the company’s concessional travel policy, an important benefit for employees of an international airline.
- Medical Insurance – Medical insurance is included among the benefits listed in the airline’s current pilot recruitment package.
- Life Insurance – Pilots also receive life insurance coverage as part of the employment package.
- Loss of Licence Protection – Loss-of-licence cover is provided, helping protect pilots financially if they are unable to continue flying because of circumstances affecting their licence.
- Allowances – The package can include hotel per diems, fuel or car allowances and educational allowances for eligible children in Mauritius.
- Annual Leave – Current recruitment information lists 32 days of annual leave, providing a substantial amount of paid time away from flying duties.
What Aircraft Do Air Mauritius Pilots Fly?
Air Mauritius currently operates a fleet of 12 aircraft, consisting of the following types.
- Airbus A350-900 XWB – 4
- Airbus A330-900neo – 2
- Airbus A330-200 – 2
- ATR 72-500/600 – 4
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Requirements To Become A Pilot for Air Mauritius
Air Mauritius first officers need to fulfil the following requirements.
- Applicants for the A330 and A350 direct-entry position must hold a valid ATPL with a Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (ME-IR) or an ICAO-equivalent qualification.
- Candidates must have at least 1,500 total flight hours on EASA Part 25 aircraft.
- Applicants must hold a current jet type rating on an A320, A330, A340, A350 or A380.
- A minimum of 500 hours on the relevant aircraft type is required for the current A330 and A350 first officer vacancy.
- Candidates must have completed at least 150 hours of recent flying on type during the previous 12 months.
- A valid Class 1 Medical Certificate is required.
- English Language Proficiency must be at least Level 5.
- Candidates must satisfy the requirements of the relevant Mauritius aviation authorities.
- Applicants must pass the Air Mauritius Technical Examination.
- For the ATR first officer pathway, the airline’s 2026 recruitment requirements include a CPL with ME-IR, frozen ATPL, MCC training, 1,000 hours on EASA Part 23 aircraft and 150 recent hours on EASA Part 25 aircraft.
Captains at Air Mauritius must meet the following criteria in addition to first office requirements.
- Candidates must hold an appropriate ATPL and aircraft type rating for the position.
- Extensive multi-engine commercial flying experience is required for command positions.
- Captains must hold a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate.
- Appropriate instrument and multi-engine qualifications must remain current.
- Applicants must satisfy the applicable Mauritius Department of Civil Aviation requirements.
- Strong English-language proficiency and professional communication skills are expected.
- Candidates must demonstrate the technical knowledge and command experience necessary to operate the relevant Airbus or ATR aircraft safely.
- Air Mauritius may assign successful candidates to a particular fleet according to its operational requirements.
Hiring Process
Air Mauritius follows the steps below in its hiring process for pilots
- Online Application – Candidates submit their application through the Air Mauritius recruitment system, providing licences, medical certificates, flight records and supporting documents. The airline states that applications received through its career portal are reviewed for shortlisting.
- Initial Screening – The recruitment team checks the applicant’s qualifications, nationality or eligibility, licences, medical status, flight hours and other minimum requirements.
- Psychometric Assessment – Shortlisted candidates may undergo psychometric testing to assess characteristics relevant to airline pilot operations. Air Mauritius requires police clearance or a Certificate of Character as part of the selection process before this stage.
- Technical Assessment – Candidates must pass an Air Mauritius technical examination covering the knowledge and operational skills expected of professional pilots.
- Interview – Applicants who progress through the technical stages are assessed on their professional background, communication, decision-making, teamwork and suitability for the airline.
- Simulator Assessment – Candidates are evaluated in a simulator to assess aircraft handling, procedures, instrument flying, technical performance and crew resource management.
- Final Checks and Offer – Successful candidates complete final employment, documentation, medical and background checks before receiving an offer and proceeding with the required aircraft training.
Bottom Line
Air Mauritius pilots can earn a strong salary by Mauritian standards, although the airline does not publicly disclose a complete 2026 pilot salary table. Indicative figures place first officer base earnings at around MUR 120,000 to MUR 250,000 per month, while experienced captains, particularly those flying long-haul Airbus aircraft, can earn around MUR 350,000 to MUR 600,000 per month. These figures should be treated as estimates rather than official published salary bands.
The overall package is more attractive when the additional components are considered. Air Mauritius currently lists flight-duty pay, a one-month end-of-year bonus, 25% gratuity, travel privileges, insurance, loss-of-licence protection, allowances and 32 days of annual leave among its pilot benefits. The airline is also actively recruiting A330 and A350 first officers in 2026, making it an interesting option for experienced pilots looking for a long-haul career based in Mauritius.
FAQs
An indicative 2026 estimate places Air Mauritius first officer salaries at around MUR 1.44 million to MUR 3 million per year (approximately USD 32,000 to USD 67,000), while captain salaries can reach around MUR 4.2 million to MUR 7.2 million per year (approximately USD 94,000 to USD 161,000), before variable flying pay and other benefits.
Air Mauritius pilots currently fly the Airbus A350-900, Airbus A330-900neo, Airbus A330-200 and ATR 72-500/600.
The current A330 and A350 direct-entry first officer vacancy requires at least 1,500 hours on EASA Part 25 aircraft, including at least 500 hours on an eligible jet type and 150 recent hours on type in the previous 12 months. The separate ATR first officer pathway requires 1,000 hours on EASA Part 23 aircraft along with the other specified qualifications.
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