Air France, the national flag carrier of France, has been one of Europe’s largest and influential airlines. Operating out of its main hubs at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly, the airline’s fleet now exceeds 200 aircraft, spanning both narrow and widebody types. Air France pilot salary have been competitive over the years.
With over 180 destinations on its route map, including various French overseas territories, it remains a dominant player across both global and regional markets.
In 2025, Air France continues to ramp up operations, especially as international travel stabilises. The French carrier runs more than 1,500 flights per day, with a strong presence in cities like Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, and Nice, in addition to hubs in Paris.
With nearly 4,000 pilots already on payroll, plans are in place to expand that figure over the coming months. Here is everything you must know about how much Air France pilots earn, and much more on pilot jobs, benefits and hiring process.
Air France Captain Salary
Captains at Air France sit at the very top of the cockpit hierarchy. They’re experienced aviators who bear the ultimate responsibility for the safety, navigation, and operation of their aircraft. Often having flown for many years and across a variety of aircraft types, captains command authority both in and outside the flight deck.
The salary for a captain at Air France typically starts at around €12,500 per month for less senior roles, but it can rise to €21,000 monthly for those with several years on long-haul widebodies. In annual terms, that places most captains somewhere between €150,000 to €250,000, depending on hours logged, aircraft flown, and seniority within the airline.
In addition to basic salary, captains receive pay for every flying hour, which ranges from €90 to €140 per hour, subject to the route, aircraft, and crew configuration.
Air France First Officer Salary
First Officers (FOs) are the second-in-command pilots and play an essential role in daily flight operations. At Air France, many FOs come up through the internal cadet programme, though others join after flying with different carriers or completing military service.
First Officers are typically paid between €5,000 and €11,500 per month, depending on their experience, the aircraft type, and the number of sectors flown. Most junior FOs, especially those straight from the cadet pipeline start at the lower end of the pay scale but tend to progress fairly quickly.
In addition to a monthly base salary, flying hours are also paid separately. The rate for First Officers usually falls between €40 and €95 per hour, again subject to several variables such as flight length and duty hours.
Air France Second Officer Salary
Air France runs its cadet programme and has historically hired ab-initio pilots directly into the right seat under a mentorship structure. In certain cases, they may also operate as relief pilots on long-haul flights, particularly during the cruise phase, under the title of Second Officer.
Cadets and Second Officers earn considerably less than full-fledged FOs or Captains, but the training quality and career trajectory make it a worthwhile trade-off for many. Most earn around €3,500 to €4,500 per month, though that figure includes flight duty pay and per diems.
Moreover, the carrier covers accommodation and some training costs or deducts in phases across employment.
ALSO READ: CATHAY PACIFIC PILOT SALARY IN 2025
Air France Pilot Perks, Benefits
Air France pilots enjoy a wide range of perks, not just when they’re flying, but also when they’re off-duty. Staff travel benefits kick in after six months, and pilots are eligible for steep discounts on both economy and premium cabins across the airline’s global network. Family members and close friends can also enjoy these perks.
The French flag carrier is part of the SkyTeam alliance, meaning these discounts often extend to partner airlines like KLM, Korean Air, and Delta. Layover allowances are generous too, with higher per diems for long stays in destinations like Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Singapore.
In terms of time off, pilots are entitled to about 15 days off per month, along with 45 days of paid annual leave. There’s also a comprehensive health and life insurance policy that covers pilots and their families, with global validity. Mental and physical health are both taken seriously and crews can access discounted wellness schemes, gyms and professional support across France.
Air France Fleet in 2025
The French flag carrier operates one of Europe’s most diverse fleets, combining modern Airbus narrowbodies with high-capacity widebodies designed for long-haul performance. The airline continues its transition to newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft like the A220 and A350 while gradually phasing out older types such as the A318, A319, and 777-200ER.
Here’s a summary of Air France’s mainline and cargo fleet as of August, 2025:
| Aircraft | In Service | Orders | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A220-300 | 43 | 17 | Replacing A318 & A319. Order includes 30 options + 30 purchase rights. |
| Airbus A318-100 | 6 | — | Last global operator. Scheduled for retirement. |
| Airbus A319-100 | 8 | — | Also to be retired in favor of A220s. |
| Airbus A320-200 | 36 | — | Core part of short- and medium-haul network. |
| Airbus A321-100 | 4 | — | High-capacity single-aisle jet. |
| Airbus A321-200 | 10 | — | Flies dense intra-Europe routes. |
| Airbus A330-200 | 10 | — | Will be replaced by A350-900s. |
| Airbus A350-900 | 37 | 4 | Replacing A330s, 777-200ERs, and older 777-300ERs. 28 more -900s allocated from group order. |
| Boeing 777-200ER | 18 | — | Gradual retirement underway, replaced by A350s. |
| Boeing 777-300ER | 43 | — | Launch customer. Selected aircraft to be replaced by A350s; newer units remain active. |
| Boeing 787-9 | 10 | — | Used on key long-haul destinations. |
| Airbus A350F | — | 3 | Next-gen cargo aircraft, will replace current 777Fs. |
| Boeing 777F | 2 | — | Current cargo aircraft. Launch customer; to be retired in favor of A350Fs. |
| Total | 227 | 52 | Fleet modernization ongoing with focus on sustainability and efficiency. |
ALSO READ: BRITISH AIRWAYS PILOT SALARY IN 2025
How to Become an Air France Pilot?
If you’re looking to fly for Air France, you’ll need to meet a fairly thorough list of qualifications, especially for First Officer roles. Captain upgrades typically happen internally, so most external candidates will need to qualify as FOs first.
Here are the entry requirements from a general standpoint:
- Must be a citizen of the EEA or Switzerland
- Fluent in French — level 6 FCL 055 required for non-native speakers
- Hold a valid EASA ATPL or CPL with IR/ME
- Have passed ATPL theory through an EU-approved ATO
- Possess a valid Class 1 medical
- MCC and UPRT certificates (if not already type rated on CS25)
- TOEIC score of 850+ (less than 2 years old)
- Logbook evidence and employer verification of hours flown
- No more than two failed attempts at Air France’s PSY2 selection phase
Air France also considers applicants from their cadet programme, with a strong emphasis on internal progression. Self-funded type ratings are also accepted in some occasions.
Air France Pilot Hiring Process
Air France runs a fairly structured and rigorous recruitment process. The hiring steps are as follows:
- Application – Online submission with a CV and French-language cover letter.
- Psychometric & Technical Testing – Initial round assessing psychomotor skills and technical aptitude.
- In-person Assessment – Group tasks, simulator exercises, and interviews with the selection team.
- Conditional Offer – Sent after background checks, medicals and verification of logbooks and licences.
The entire process can take several weeks, with batches typically recruited once or twice a year, depending on staffing requirements.
FAQs – AF Pilot Salary & Careers
Air France Captains typically earn between €150,000 to €250,000 annually, depending on experience, aircraft type, and flying hours, with monthly pay ranging from €12,500 to €21,000.
First Officers at Air France generally earn between €5,000 and €11,500 per month, which equates to about €80,000 to €100,000 annually, with an average base pay of roughly €90,000 per year.
Air France cadets or Second Officers typically start at around €3,500 to €4,500 per month, which includes flight duty pay and per diems.
Bottom Line
Flying for Air France remains one of the more attractive prospects for commercial pilots in Europe, thanks to a solid pay structure, generous time off, and a clear path for progression – all while living in an attractive city like Paris.
Additionally, the airline’s position in SkyTeam and its modernising fleet also mean pilots gain exposure to a global flying environment and industry-leading standards.
Please join our Telegram Channel for the latest aviation updates similar to Air France Pilot Salary.
