Aviation Pilot Opportunity: First Officer / Second Officer at KLM
KLM, a globally renowned airline and the oldest carrier flying under its original name, invites highly skilled and dedicated aviation professionals to join its esteemed Flight Operations team as a Pilot. The successful candidate will represent KLM on board, upholding the airline's commitment to exceptional customer experience and paramount safety standards on every flight. This critical role ensures that all passengers enjoy a seamless and memorable journey. The pilot's performance, alongside the integrated cockpit and cabin crew, is instrumental in shaping the overall customer experience. Collaborating with colleagues, the pilot fosters a safe and inclusive working environment, continually reflecting on personal performance and pursuing continuous professional development to ensure the foundation for successful flight operations.
About the Role and Career Progression
By 2026, KLM will serve 161 destinations, comprising 92 European and 69 intercontinental routes. This presents an exciting opportunity for the chosen pilot to transport passengers across the globe. New KLM pilots typically commence their careers as a First Officer on European routes or as a Second Officer on wide-body, intercontinental aircraft, based on operational requirements. KLM offers a dynamic career path with opportunities for both short-haul and long-haul flying, as outlined in the comprehensive Pilot Career Regulations within the collective labor agreement for fixed-wing aircraft pilots. Furthermore, KLM Flight Operations encourages professional growth beyond the cockpit, offering secondary functions such as an instructor role.
Pilot Qualifications and Requirements
General Requirements
- Minimum higher general secondary education or an equivalent foreign qualification with a strong command of English.
- Possession of a valid passport from an EU member state, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, or Liechtenstein.
- Proficiency in swimming.
- Height between 1.58 and 2.03 meters (leg length measurement is not part of the assessment).
Licence and Certifications
- EASA (Frozen) ATPL(A) with a valid Type Rating for a Multi-Pilot Aircraft, including ME-IR with PBN endorsement.
- English Language Proficiency (LPE6) endorsed on the flight crew license.
- Valid EASA Class I Medical Certificate.
- Completed (Initial) Crew Resource Management (CRM) training.
- Successful completion of a Multi Crew Cooperation Course (MCC).
- Advanced Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (UPRT).
Flight Experience
- A minimum of 500 hours of experience on a multi-engine aircraft (with a maximum take-off weight of 5,700 kg or more), or equivalent active service as a military pilot.
- At least 150 hours of recent flying experience in commercial aviation within the 12 months preceding the application, or active service as a military pilot within the same timeframe.
Language Proficiency
While knowledge of the Dutch language is considered advantageous, non-Dutch speaking candidates are expected to demonstrate a commitment to achieving an A2 level proficiency. KLM provides an online language course upon selection to support this goal. A minimum B1 level of Dutch is required for potential promotion to a Captaincy position.
EASA Competencies
As a KLM pilot, the successful applicant will embody the following EASA competencies:
- Aeroplane Flight Path Management - Automation
- Aeroplane Flight Path Management - Manual Control
- Application of Procedures and Compliance with Regulations
- Communication
- Leadership and Teamwork
- Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Situation Awareness and Management of Information
- Workload Management
- Application of Knowledge
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation
Remuneration is governed by the collective labor agreement, with salary levels determined by age, length of service with KLM, and specific position. The indicative entry-level gross monthly salary ranges from €3,300 to €5,500, exclusive of benefits and pension allowances. Upon successful completion of the Type Rating Course, the gross monthly salary typically ranges from €5,500 to €8,300, again excluding benefits and pension allowances. These figures are indicative and do not establish contractual rights.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
KLM commercial pilots receive a robust benefits package, including:
- A predictable 4-week rotating schedule.
- Daily allowance during layovers at destination.
- A comprehensive pension scheme.
- "If Seat Available" (ISA) travel privileges at significantly reduced rates.
- Exclusive discounts with insurance providers.
- Preferred rates with car rental and hotel companies.
- The unparalleled opportunity to be part of a leading, world-renowned airline, recognized as the oldest carrier operating under its original name.
Application Process
Candidates eager to embark on their next career destination with KLM are invited to submit their comprehensive CV, a compelling motivation letter, and copies of all required documentation in PDF format (e.g., license, medical certificate, logbook, MCC certificate). The selection process begins with an initial CV screening. Successful applicants will then proceed through the following stages:
- Online assessment.
- Psychological examination conducted at the Aviation Medical Center in Amsterdam.
- Simulator Grading assessment at Schiphol.
- Interview with the Hiring Committee (COVA) at Schiphol.
Required Application Documents (PDF format)
Applicants must upload the following documents, clearly labelled with their name and document type (e.g., "[Your Name] - EASA ATPL"):
- EASA (Frozen) ATPL(A) with a valid Type Rating for a Multi-Pilot Aircraft, ME-IR including PBN, and LPE6 English level.
- Valid EASA Class I Medical Certificate.
- Initial CRM or CRM recurrent certificate (joint CRM is not accepted).
- Certificate of completion for the Multi Crew Cooperation Course (MCC).
- Relevant logbook pages, demonstrating at least 150 hours of recent commercial aviation flight experience within the last 12 months, and 500 hours on a multi-engine aircraft with a MTOW > 5,700KG.
- Advanced UPRT certificate or evidence of the latest recurrent training incorporating UPRT.
- Proof of minimum higher general secondary education or equivalent foreign education with English (equivalent to Dutch HAVO or MBO-4 or higher).
- Comprehensive CV, including two professional references.
- Personal motivation letter.
Important Considerations
- All required documentation must be uploaded in PDF format with the application and be complete prior to final selection.
- The Type Rating must be valid at the time of employment commencement, and the Medical Certificate must remain valid for at least three months upon starting employment.
- All Medical and Flight Crew Licences must be issued in the Netherlands or converted prior to employment. Costs associated with converting foreign Medical and Flight Crew Licences are the applicant's responsibility.
- A comprehensive reference check forms part of the selection procedure; submission of an application constitutes consent to this process.
- Pre-employment, a company medical examination (distinct from a Class 1 Medical renewal) will be conducted. This includes a psychological assessment and screening for medication, alcohol, and drug use, via blood and urine tests.
- Candidates who have been unsuccessful in any selection component within the last two years are ineligible to reapply until the two-year waiting period has elapsed.
Further Inquiries
For questions pertaining to this vacancy, applicants are encouraged to consult the FAQ section. If the query remains unanswered, please direct correspondence to Recruitment Flight Crew.
Please note: Unsolicited acquisition in response to this vacancy is not welcomed.