EASA B737NG B737NG Captain - Long-Term Contract Opportunity
Pilot Careers with Smartwings (Contract Position)
A distinguished opportunity exists for highly qualified and experienced EASA B737NG Captains to join a major European airline client on a secured, long-term contract basis.
The Airline
The client airline, Smartwings, specializes in operating scheduled and chartered flights, primarily serving popular leisure destinations across Europe and globally. Smartwings offers stable operations and a professional environment for skilled aviation professionals.
The Position
The airline is seeking highly skilled EASA B737NG Captains for immediate commencement on a 2-year contract, which is fully renewable. This is a self-employment (freelance) opportunity offering deployment until at least October 31, 2027.
Minimum Requirements for B737NG Captains
Successful candidates must possess the following mandatory qualifications:
- Current and valid EASA Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).
- Valid Class 1 Medical Certificate.
- Current Command Type Rating endorsed with B737 Instrument Rating (IR).
- A minimum of 3,500 total flying hours.
- Applicants should preferably have 1,000 Pilot-In-Command (PIC) hours on the Boeing 737NG family.
- Must have flown commercially within the last 12 months.
- Possession of the right to live and work legally within the European Union (EU).
Contract Terms and Remuneration
This long-term, self-employment contract offers a highly attractive package tailored to experienced aviation professionals:
Contract Structure and Timeline
- Contract Period: 2 years, with expectation of immediate deployment and long-term renewal.
- Screening Dates: Scheduled for October/November 2025.
- Operator Conversion Course (OCC): Scheduled for November and December 2025.
Operational Bases (Seasonal Rotation)
Captains will operate on a rotating seasonal base structure:
- Winter Season (October – May): Operating bases in India and/or Cameroon. Accommodation is provided during deployment in these non-European bases.
- Summer Season (June – September): Operating bases within Europe.
Compensation and Benefits
Remuneration is competitive and performance-based, rewarding high flight hours:
- Basic Monthly Remuneration: €6,800 (based on 40 minimum block hours).
- Overtime Rate: €180 per hour for all block hours flown exceeding 40 hours per month, plus additional performance bonuses.
- Estimated Average Monthly Pay: Based on an average of 85 flying hours, the estimated gross monthly income is €15,400.
- Ground School Payment: A basic payment of €5,000 per month will be provided upon commencement of Ground School and paid until the successful completion of the Operator Conversion Course (SIM).
Roster and Allowances
- Roster Pattern: Pilots operate on a favorable 20 days ON, 10 days OFF roster.
- Guaranteed Days Off: A minimum of 10 consecutive days off per calendar month is guaranteed.
- European Allowance: A Stay and Travel Allowance of €500 per month is provided when operating from European bases.
- Travel Benefits: MyID Travel is available for the pilot and up to four family members for the duration of the contract.
- Logistics: Transport from/to the assigned home base to the main operating base during the 20-day duty pattern will be reimbursed by the airline. Costs associated with induction (e.g., security clearance) are also covered by the airline.
Selection Process
Candidates will undergo a comprehensive, multi-stage selection process:
- Documentation Screening
- Online Assessment Stage
- Online technical test
- Online interview
- On-site Assessment Stage (Flight tickets and accommodation will be provided by the airline for this stage)
- Psychological test
- Simulator (SIM) assessment
- Behavioral interview
- Technical knowledge test
- English language proficiency assessment
- Final interview
Application Procedure
Qualified Captains interested in securing a long-term contract with Smartwings are invited to apply for the holding pool. Applicants must upload the following mandatory documents into the recruitment system:
- Current Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Valid EASA ATPL with the B737NG type rating endorsed
- Valid Class 1 Medical Certificate
- Last Operator Proficiency Check (OPC) or Licence Proficiency Check (LPC) on the B737NG
- Last three pages of the pilot's logbook
- Valid EU Passport or proof of EU residency/right to work