HOW MUCH DOES AN AIRPLANE PILOT EARN IN COLOMBIA? - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The salary of a pilot in Colombia depends on many factors such as the airline, the rank of the pilot and the flight hours. There is a massive pilot shortage globally. Global aviation growth coupled with economic growth in India, Africa, the United States, Asia, New Zealand and the European Union has increased the demand for international pilots.

There are new technologies that also contribute to increasing demand such as new technologies (B787, A350) that allow flights between cities that have never been connected before.

The growth of airlines such as Gulf Airlines and Turkish Airlines also improves the job market for pilots. Low oil prices increase airline profits, allowing for higher demand for short-term growth.

How much do pilots earn in Colombia?

-Avianca

Avianca is the commercial brand that represents the Latin American airlines integrated in Avianca Holdings SA Its workforce of more than 20,000 employees has been recognized for providing excellent world-class service.

Specialized in air cargo and passenger transport, it serves more than 100 direct destinations in 28 countries on the American and European continents with its modern fleet of 180 short, medium and long-haul aircraft.

Through its membership with Star Alliance, Avianca offers the possibility of connecting to more than 1,300 destinations in 192 countries worldwide.

Through LifeMiles, the loyalty program, the airline offers a wide range of benefits and travel options to its more than 6 million registered members.

Salaries

In Colombia, the average salary of a commander or captain at Avianca is 125,000 US dollars per year.

The first officer or second-rank captain earns $ 70,000. The captain in office earns between 20,000 and 50,000 US dollars depending on his experience.

To be a pilot at Avianca you have to go through a strict hiring process that consists of several stages.

• The first stage consists of an aviation knowledge test and an interview with the immediate boss.
• The second stage consists of an exam with a simulator.
• The third stage consists of a psychological interview and two writings.
• The fourth stage consists of a personal interview with the Director of Operations.

Hiring process at Avianca

The pilot hiring process at Avianca lasts from 1 to 3 months. This process includes exams to know the level of English of the person applying, it also includes dynamics and group exams and the negotiating capacity of the person applying for the job is tested.

Work experience in the area definitely influences the salary that this airline offers at the time of hiring. A math test is also part of the hiring process.

Other Avianca Salaries

• Corporate account manager: $ 74,121.00 (US dollars) per year.
• Flight attendant: $ 12-13 per hour
• Director: US $ 126,000 per year.

Benefits

Part-time employees don't receive benefits like health care. Only one free flight per year.

List of benefits based on current and former employee reports:

Insurance, Health and Welfare

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Life insurance
• Supplemental life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Healthcare on site
• Mental health care
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

Financial and retirement benefits

• Pension plan
• Retirement plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Performance bonus
• Storage options
• Capital Incentive Plan
• Supplemental Workers' Compensation
• Donation of charitable gifts

Family and Parenthood

• Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Work from home
• Fertility assistance
• Dependent Care
• Adoption assistance
• Childcare
• Reduced or flexible hours
• Military license
• Family Medical Leave
• Unpaid extended leave
• Vacations and free time
• Vacations and free time
• Days in convalescence
• Paid vacations
• Free time for volunteers
• Sabbatical
• Duel license

Discounts

• Employee discount
• Free lunch or snacks
• Employee Assistance Program
• Gym membership
• Traveler's checks and assistance
• Benefits for pets
• Discount for cell phones
• Company vehicle
• Company social events
• Travel concierge

-COPA Airlines

COPA Airlines operates in Colombia although it is a Panamanian airline.

The salary of a pilot in this airline is between 6 thousand and 12 thousand US dollars per month plus travel expenses, depending on the rank and experience of the pilot.

Pilot selection process at COPA

Aspiring candidates will have to meet the following requirements:

• Be a Panamanian citizen and / or Copa member with Panamanian residence
• Over 20 years of age (Individuals between 18 and 20 years of age can apply for the program, however, once they have completed the training, they will not be able to start working at Copa until they turn 21)
• Have at least completed high school
• Have reached an English level of 4 in ICAO courses, or higher
• Have a first class medical certificate

You will then be contacted by a representative to deliver the following documents:

• Application form (previously sent by email)
• Resume
• Copy of your Panamanian ID
• High school diploma
• Class 1 Medical Certificate, updated by Civil Aeronautics
• ICAO English Certification (Minimum: Level 4):

If you already have a pilot license (PPL, instrument rating, etc.), you will need to receive an ICAO English Level Certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority.

If you do not have a pilot license, you can obtain a Certificate of English Proficiency from one of the ICAO Certified Assessors.

• Copy of pilot's license (if you have it)
• College college credits (if you are pursuing a degree at any college)

Aspiring candidates who meet the requirements and have the aforementioned documentation, will be subjected to a rigorous selection process with international standards, which will be administered by Copa Airlines.

• They do a blood and urine test first
• A polygraph test is done.
• Simulator test: King Air 200 FTD
• Interview with the human resources manager and the immediate boss
• General knowledge test
• Psychological evaluation
• Group exam

To make a career as a pilot at COPA, you need about 45,000 US dollars.

References

1. Glassdoor Editors. (2008-2017). Avianca. 3-11-2017, retrieved from glassdoor.com
2. FDF Editors. (2011-2016). Becoming a commercial airline pilot. 11-3-2017, retrieved from flightdeckfriend.com
3. Aviation Interviews Editors. (2001-2017). Becoming a commercial airline pilot. 3-11-2017, retrieved from aviationinterviews.com
4. Copa Airlines. (2017). Selection process. 11-3-2017, recovered from copaair.com
5. vBulletin Solutions. (2012). Copa Airlines hiring foreigners. 11-3-2017, retrieved from airlinepilotforums.com