Pilot compensation received a significant boost in 2026 after Air Transat pilots ratified a new five-year collective agreement covering the period through April 2030.
Pilot salary
Pilots also have rules governing the use of personal electronic devices during flight, even though passengers may sometimes see tablets being used in the cockpit.
First officers at WestJet in 2026 receive a base annual salary that typically starts around CAD 120,000 per year for newer pilots on narrow-body operations.
For pilots, Kenya Airways offers the opportunity to operate both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft across a network that includes domestic, regional and long-haul international services.
In 2026, an Air Astana first officer generally earns between €45,000 and €65,000 per year, equivalent to approximately USD 53,000 to USD 76,000 annually.
US military pilots serve in the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Army, with each branch operating different aircraft and career structures.
A Vietnam Airlines first officer can earn approximately VNĐ80 million to VNĐ150 million per month, while experienced captains can earn around VNĐ180 million to VNĐ300 million per month depending on rank, aircraft and experience.
For pilots considering a career in the Gulf, Gulf Air remains an attractive option because compensation is generally structured around a tax-free salary, flying allowances and additional benefits.
In 2026, pilot salaries at British Airways will remain attractive, especially for senior long-haul captains.
As a result, the salary picture for Allegiant pilots in 2026 is very different from the previous contract.