Is becoming a pilot your dream career? Or do you have a childhood ambition of becoming a pilot and flying higher in the sky? Whatever it is, you can make your dream come true with strong determination and willpower.
Almost every airline across the globe offers the opportunity for aspiring candidates to become professional airline pilots and so does Singapore Airlines. If you meet the basic qualifications and possess certain skills, you are eligible to apply for the Singapore Airlines Pilot vacancy.
To assist your piloting journey, we have prepared this detailed article related to becoming a Singapore Airlines pilot including requirements, hiring process, salary, training program, benefits, and much more.
With that, let’s get started with some basic details about Singapore Airlines.
Table of Contents
About Singapore Airlines
| Identity | National Flag Carrier of Singapore World’s 2nd Best Airline of 2021 (Skytrax World Airline Awards) |
| IATA CODE | SQ |
| ICAO | SIA |
| Call Sign | SINGAPORE |
| Hub | Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) |
| Fleet | Over 150 aircraft Airbus A350-900 Airbus A380-800 Boeing 777-300ER Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner Boeing 737-8 Boeing 737-800 NG |
| Destination | Over 137 international destinations in 32 countries across five continents. |
| Codeshare Agreements | Alaska Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Croatia Airlines, Air New Zealand, Air China, United Airlines, Turkish Airlines, JetBlue, Virgin Australia, Malaysia Airlines and much more. |
How to Become a Singapore Airlines Pilot?
Singapore Airlines offers opportunities for aspiring aviation enthusiasts and professional pilots to join the flight crew team. You as an applicant must fulfill basic requirements and qualifications to be eligible for applying to the pilot vacancy.
At Singapore Airlines, candidates have choices to apply with three different options.
- Direct Entry Second Officer
- Direct Entry First Officer
- Direct Entry Captain
- Cadet Pilot Program
Direct Entry Second Officer
The Direct Entry Second Officer is the entry-level pilot position offered by the flag carrier of Singapore to fresh pilots.
Singapore Airlines Pilot Requirements for Direct Entry Second Officer
To apply for the Second Officer position, you are required to meet the following qualifications.
- Applicants must hold a valid CPL or Frozen ATPL recognized by CAAS.
- Must hold a minimum GCE ‘A-Level, Diploma or equivalent level of education in Science Stream including Maths and Physics.
- Fluency in the English Language along with a minimum of ICAO English Level 6 is mandatory.
- Must be able to fulfill medical requirements specified by CAAS.
- A minimum of 200 flight hours is required.
- Must hold Certificate of Test (Multi-Engine Instrument Rating)
Direct Entry First Officer
If you hold more experience as a pilot, you can apply for the First Officer position at Singapore Airlines. For that, you need to meet all the basic requirements mentioned below.
Requirements for Direct Entry First Officer
- Applicants must hold a valid CPL Multi-Engine Instrument Rating with frozen ATPL identified by CAAS.
- A minimum of 1500 total flying hours is required on commercial jet aircraft.
- Those candidates with flight experience on a commercial jet with glass cockpit technology will be highly preferred.
- Applicants must obtain a Class 1 Medical certificate validated by CAAS.
- Minimum ICAO English Level 5 is mandatory.
- Applicants must have obtained a Certificate of Test – Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR)
Direct Entry Captain
Experienced pilots can directly apply for SIA Direct Entry Captain if they fulfill the following requirements:
- Must possess a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate, recognized or can be validated by Civil Aviation Authority Singapore (CAAS).
- Must hold a valid Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), recognized or can be validated by CAAS.
- Must hold a minimum of 7000 flying hours, inclusive of 3000 Pilot in Command (PIC) hours on commercial jets in international operations.
- Must be able to speak, and understand English with ICAO English Level 4 or above for inflight radio telephony communications.
- The minimum height of 1.62m to carry out safety, and emergency procedures on board.
Selection Process: Candidates will progress through multiple phases throughout the selection procedure, which may encompass, among other steps, online application, interviews, simulator assessment, and medical examination.
Training: If relevant, candidates who succeed will receive training to attain an Aircraft Type Rating, and a pertinent training bond will be applicable.
Important Note: Singapore Airlines conducts recruitment directly and does not involve any third-party agencies or companies in our pilot hiring process. If you’re interested, we urge you to submit your application exclusively through the official Singapore Airlines career page.
Singapore Airlines Pilot Hiring Process
Once you verify the requirements and qualifications mentioned above, you are eligible for applying for the Singapore Airlines Pilot vacancy. For that, you need to go through the following processes.
- First of all, you need to visit the Singapore Airlines Official Careers website and look for the pilot vacancy. If you find any active vacancies for Second Officer or First Officer, you can apply online by submitting an application form including essential documents and information.
- The airline recruitment team will analyze your online application in-depth and if selected, you will attend the preliminary interview in which your basic introduction and proficiencies are evaluated.
- After passing the initial interview, you will go through pilot aptitude and psychometric tests where your piloting proficiency is assessed.
- You will be invited for the final interview with the senior management team at this stage.
- If you manage to pass the final interview, you will then go through technical exams and simulator tests along with medical tests.
- Congratulations! You are selected for the Singapore Airlines Pilot position. But before approving you for commercial operation, the airline will conduct pre-employment checks.
Singapore Airlines Cadet Pilot Program
Cadet Pilot Program is the most popular and beneficial approach for aspiring students with the aim to become professional pilots. This program is an accelerated path or a systematic approach to becoming a skilled pilot in a short period of time.
Singapore Airlines offers Cadet Pilot Program to those candidates with strong determination and enthusiasm toward aviation. The airline will provide an intensive pilot training course to the selected students and then offer them a rewarding career with Singapore Airlines or subsidiaries including SilkAir or SIA Cargo.
Those applicants selected for the Cadet Pilot Program will receive either an ATPL with Instrument Rating or Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL). After successful completion of the rigorous training, fresh cadets will get the opportunity to kickstart their career at Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, or SIA Cargo.
The entire cost of this program exceeds US$150,000 but you don’t need to worry as it is fully sponsored. However, you must agree to work for a period of seven (7) years from the date of appointment as a Singapore Airlines First Officer to become eligible for the Cadet Pilot Program Sponsorship.
So, what are the requirements for the Cadet Pilot Program? Let’s find out.
- Applicants must hold a minimum Polytechnic Diploma or equivalent level of education. In addition, at least GCE ‘O’ level in Science Stream with Physics and Mathematics is compulsory.
- Those applicants without English at GCE ‘O’ level are required to obtain an overall IELTS score of 7 or a TOEFL Score of 250 (Computer Based) or 600 (Paper Based).
- The minimum height requirement is 1.62m.
Training: Candidates who are selected will undergo training to obtain either an Airline Transport Pilot’s License (ATPL) with Instrument Rating (IR) or a Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) at the Singapore Flying College, both locally and internationally. Following the acquisition of the ATPL or MPL, you will receive additional training to assume the role of a First Officer.
Singapore Airlines Pilot Uniform
Singapore Airlines Pilot Salary
The pilots at Singapore Airlines can earn an average of SGD170,400 (US$) per year and it can range from SGD7,550(US$) to SGD21,678(US$) per year depending upon various factors like flight hours, destinations, seniority level, experience, and so on.
Singapore Airlines Pilot Salary Per Month
Talking about the monthly salary, Singapore Pilots make an average of SGD14,200 (US$10,416) per month. The monthly pay scale can range from SGD7,550 (US$5,538) to SGD21,600 (US$15,845).
Singapore Airlines Pilot Captain Salary
The salary of captains at Singapore Airlines starts from SGD9,870 (US$7,240) per month. In addition, they receive a productivity allowance of almost SGD4,000 (US$2,934) after flying 70 hours a month.
Singapore Airlines Pilot Benefits
Besides basic salary, Singapore Airlines Pilots enjoy various benefits and perks.
- Health and Life Insurance
- Competitive Salary Package
- Flying Hour Allowance
- Productivity Allowance
- Travel Perks and Discounts
- Personal Development and Career Growth Opportunities
- Financial and Retirement Plan
- Job Security
Conclusion on Singapore Airlines Pilot
Till the end of this article, we covered almost every aspect of becoming a Singapore Airlines pilot. If you have the requirements mentioned above, you must not miss the chance to become a professional pilot for such a reputed company.
To sum things up, becoming a pilot with Singapore Airlines is a great goal that needs hard work and a big love for flying. You have to learn a lot about planes and get the right education and licenses. Then, you’ll go through tough training to get good at flying and get experience.
Choosing to be a pilot at Singapore Airlines means you get to fly really cool airplanes and be part of a famous aviation group. They care a lot about safety and doing well. This job is perfect for people who want adventure and like to learn new things.
Remember, this journey is like taking off – it’s just the start. So if you want to make your pilot dreams come true with Singapore Airlines, follow the steps in this guide. Keep in mind that the sky is only the beginning, and you can do amazing things with hard work. So reach for the skies and let becoming a Singapore Airlines pilot show everyone how determination and effort can make your dreams come true.
For queries or doubts, please don’t hesitate to write in the comment section below or contact us directly.
Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much do Singapore Airlines Pilots make?
Singapore Airlines pilots make an average of SGD170,400 (US$) per year and it can range from SGD7,550(US$) to SGD21,678(US$) per year depending upon various factors like flight hours, destinations, seniority level, experience, and so on.
How do I become a pilot for Singapore Airlines?
You can directly become Second Officer or First Officer or choose Singapore Airlines Cadet Pilot Program. For that, you need to fulfill basic requirements and proficiencies and then, apply online via the SIA official careers site. You will go through various assessments to get selected for the pilot position.
Does Singapore Airlines hire foreign pilots?
Yes, Singapore Airlines hire foreign pilots however, non-Singaporeans have to fulfil certain conditions.
How much does it cost to be a pilot in Singapore?
The pilot training cost in Singapore can exceed US$150,000.
