Global Pilot FAQ

1.1 Assessment process

In which language are assessments conducted?

All assessments and interviews are conducted in English, as this is the operational language across TUI Airline.

Will TUI cover the transportation and accommodation expenses incurred during the selection process?

TUI does not cover transportation or accommodation expenses related to the selection process.

I did not pass the selection process. When can I re‑apply?

You may apply for a First Officer position at TUI Airline up to two times. If this was your first application and you were not successful, you are welcome to re‑apply after one year. Please note that if you apply a second time and are again unsuccessful, we will not be able to consider any further applications for this position.

What is a Talent Pool?

If you're successful at an Assessment Centre, you'll be placed into our Pilot Talent Pool. This means your skills and behaviours have matched our selection criteria – you're just one step away from joining TUI. You'll remain in the Talent Pool while we finalise airport base requirements. Offers are made based on business needs, so some bases and candidates may receive offers before others. We'll keep you updated throughout this stage.

How long will I be in the Talent Pool?

You can expect to be in the Talent Pool for up to 12 months and will receive regular email updates during this time.

What happens if I don't receive an offer?

If you don't receive an offer, you'll be able to submit a new application.

1.2 Employment & Training

What is the TUI company culture like?

At TUI, we foster a workplace culture built on inclusion, respect, safety, support, and collaboration across all our AOCs.

Do I need a specific national license to fly for TUI?

You must hold a valid license issued by the appropriate aviation authority for your country of operation.

If you're joining our Belgian, Dutch, or Swedish operations, you'll need a valid EASA license. Should your EASA license be issued by another EU country, you'll need to convert it to match your operating country.
For UK operations, a valid UK CAA license is required.

Do I need to hold a valid type rating/LPC/OPC when I start my employment?

Yes. For type-rated positions, you must have a valid and current type rating for the required aircraft when your employment begins. If your type rating expires before your start date, you're responsible for renewing or revalidating it beforehand.

Will I receive a TUI Airline contract?

You'll be employed directly by one of our five AOCs, meaning your contract and payroll will come from the specific AOC you join: TUI Airways (UK & Ireland), TUI fly Nordic (Sweden), TUI fly Netherlands, TUI fly Belgium, or TUI fly Germany.

How are bases assigned?

Your base depends on which AOC you join. Belgium operates from Brussels, the Netherlands from Schiphol, and Sweden from Stockholm or Gothenburg. In the UK, bases are assigned according to operational needs and will be confirmed in your employment offer.

Will housing be provided if I live abroad?

We don't provide housing or commuting contracts. You're welcome to live wherever suits you, as long as you can meet your AOC's standby requirements.

What does a typical First Officer roster look like?

Our rosters are designed to be flexible without a fixed pattern, which means each month can vary significantly, depending on operational needs and scheduling requirements. Since we don't offer commuting contracts, it's your responsibility to ensure you can reach the base within the required timeframe when on standby duty. For most of our bases, you'll need to be available to report within 60 minutes of being called. However, if you're based in Belgium, the standby requirement is 120 minutes. This means you'll need to arrange your accommodation accordingly to meet our standby obligations.

Will I get a fixed roster?

No. Your roster will vary significantly with no fixed pattern – flexibility is key!

Will I know my roster in advance?

Yes. You'll typically receive 5–6 weeks of roster visibility, and all schedules are fully compliant with duty and rest regulations.

When will training courses start?

Start dates vary by AOC. The Netherlands begins from June, Belgium from August, and both the UK and Sweden from late October to November.`

Who provides the training?

All training is delivered in-house by our experienced instructors using modern simulators and structured programmes.

Where does type rating training take place?

UK applicants complete all training in the UK. For European AOC applicants, theoretical training happens at your assigned base country, while simulator training may take place at various centres across Europe or the UK, including Berlin, Barcelona, Vienna, and Gatwick.

What can I expect during my training?

Your first day starts with an induction led by the pilot management team, where you'll learn about TUI and meet other managers. Training then begins and includes safety equipment and procedures training, plus B737 flight training. Type rated pilots complete an OCC, while non-type rated pilots complete a full type rating. Low hour or military pilots not eligible for zero flight time training will also complete aircraft training. You'll then fly a number of line training sectors with our training team before your line check. The exact number of sectors depends on your experience level.

Is accommodation provided during training abroad? 

Yes. When your training takes you abroad, we've got your accommodation covered!

What career paths are available?

TUI offers diverse career development opportunities. You can advance through flying roles like Captain or Instructor positions, or transition into various non-flying roles throughout the TUI organisation.