How to become a pilot for Luxair: cadet program details in 2024
How to become a pilot in Luxembourg and get the opportunity to work for the only airline in the country? Learn about Luxair training programs, requirements for the pilots and, of course, pilot salaries.
The pilot is one of the most respected and prestigious professions in the world, and Luxembourg is no exception. There is only one airline in the country — Luxair. And those who dream of the pilot's seat, have a good opportunity to make the dream true with the help of the Luxair Pilot Cadet Program.
Luxair as employer in Luxembourg
First, a few words about the company itself. Luxair is the flagship airline in Luxembourg, founded in 1961. And since then has offered services in four areas of activity.
Luxair's first flight was to Paris in 1962. Nowadays, the company regularly flies to most European capitals, the Middle East and North Africa. It is the only airline in the Grand Duchy that operates passenger air services.
The company’s fleet consists of the following planes
The company's website regularly publishes information about vacancies, including current pilot vacancies.
Who can work and become a pilot in Luxembourg?
Any citizen living in the EU or one of the countries of the European Free Trade Association can become a pilot, provided he or she meets the basic requirements. They can vary depending on the position, but the main are the following:
To become a pilot, you must undergo appropriate training and obtain a license. There are several levels of licenses.
It allows you to take the first steps in your career as a pilot. To obtain the license, you only need to be 16 years old and get a valid Class 2 aviation medical certificate. No previous flying experience is required.
This license allows you to fly alone, with passengers or cargo, but without monetary compensation. In order to obtain a PPL you must be at least 17 years old and complete 45 hours of training, including:
- 25 hours of dual flight instructions.
- 10 hours of supervised solo flight time.
For executing commercial transportation, you need at least this license. It allows you to become a professional paid pilot. To obtain it, you must be at least 18 years old and complete a total of 150 hours of training:
- 80 hours of dual instruction, of which up to 5 hours may be instrument ground time;
- 70 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC), of which up to 55 hours may be as a Student PIC (SPIC);
- 20 hours of cross-country flight;
- 5 hours flight time shall be completed at night, comprising 3 hours of dual instruction, which shall include at least 1 hour of cross-country navigation and 5 solo take-offs and 5 solo full stop landings;
- 10 hours of instrument flight instruction.
The highest level of license with which you can work as a pilot in command (PIC) in scheduled air carriers. To obtain an ATPL, you must be at least 21 years old, have a CPL license, Multi-Engine Rating (MER), Instrument Rating (IR), and have at least 1500 hours of flight time:
- 500 hours in multi-pilot operations on airplanes;
- 500 hours as PIC under supervision; or 250 hours as PIC; or 250 hours, including at least 70 hours as PIC;
- 200 hours of cross-country flight time of which at least 100 hours shall be as PIC or as PIC under supervision;
- 75 hours of instrument time of which not more than 30 hours may be instrument ground time;
- 100 hours of night flight as PIC or co-pilot.
Luxair Pilot Cadet program for 2025
Luxair airlines have been organising a special pilot training program for several years. It was first launched in 2019: out of 75 candidates, only 6 were chosen. Luxair looks for candidates who are always ready to learn, have a positive attitude, and are committed to service excellence.
The program includes literally everything: from classroom lessons and simulator training to real flights. It will give all the skills and knowledge needed for a fulfilling, long-term career with Luxair.
Application deadline
This year it was possible to apply for participation in the Luxair Pilot Cadet Program till 12/05/2024. The program starts at the beginning of 2025 and will last 18 months.
Mandatory requirements for the Luxair pilot training are:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be able to obtain a valid EASA class 1 medical. This is the highest level certificate that gives maximum privileges. This certificate will allow you to be an aircraft captain.
- Have successfully graduated from high school and be qualified for university entrance.
- Have the right to live and work in the European Union /European Free Trade Association.
- No criminal record, including driving-related offenses.
- Speak fluent English.
- Your height should be between 157 and 193 cm.
- Applicant must be able to swim.
What else to expect?
In addition, when submitting an application, you will have to fill out a short form and answer a few questions, for example:
- Was one of your major subjects in high school related to aeronautics?
- Was one of your major subjects in high school related to math, physics and/or engineering?
You will also need to explain why you want to start a pilot career with Luxair and what you believe makes you an ideal candidate for the program. After answering the questions, you need to upload your complete application consisting of the following documents at minimum, to be accepted.
- Resume/CV
- Cover letter
- High school diploma and corresponding transcript of grades
- Copy of national ID/first page of passport
Luxair pilots salary and wages of other professionals
The salary of pilots at Luxair, as well as at many other airlines, depends on length of service, rank and experience. We have consulted the Salary Expert.
| Position | Base net salary | Top net salary |
| Second officer | 3,200 euros. After 8 months – 4,300 euros | 4,500 euros |
| First officer | 5,100 euros | 6,400 euros |
| Captain | 7,500 euros | After 20+ years – 19,500 euros |
Sky high salary
One can expect to earn around 3,000-4,500 euros at the beginning of the career (after the courses). Practically, there is no salary ceiling in this profession, as you can work as a private plane captain and earn up to 20,000 euros a month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What pilot licenses can be obtained in Luxembourg?
What does the Luxair Pilot Cadet Program provide?
What are mandatory requirements to participate in the Luxair Pilot Cadet Program?
Do I need to pay for participation in the program?
Source: pilotjobsnetwork.com, en.moovijob.com, lu.linkedin.com, luxair.lu
We took photos from these sources: Avel Chuklanov, rocker sta on Unsplash
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