How to Become a Singapore Airlines Pilot?

In the highly competitive and demanding field of aviation, being appointed as a pilot for Singapore Airlines (SIA) is considered one of the most prestigious accolades a professional can achieve. Renowned for its impeccable service, state-of-the-art fleet, and commitment to excellence, SIA stands out as an employer of choice for pilots globally.

Singapore Airlines has built a stellar reputation over the decades, consistently earning accolades for its exceptional service and operational excellence. For pilots, joining SIA means being part of an airline that is synonymous with quality and reliability. The airline’s stringent safety standards, cutting-edge technology, and focus on continuous improvement ensure that pilots operate in an environment where excellence is the norm.

One of the key attractions for pilots considering SIA is its modern and diverse fleet. The airline operates some of the most advanced aircraft in the industry, including the Airbus A350, A380, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Flying these technologically sophisticated aircraft is a significant career milestone for any pilot, offering opportunities to work with the latest in aviation technology and enhancing their professional skills.

Singapore Airlines is renowned for its rigorous and comprehensive training programs. Pilots undergo extensive training at the SIA Training Centre, which is equipped with advanced flight simulators and other state-of-the-art training facilities. This commitment to training ensures that SIA pilots are among the best-prepared and most competent in the industry. The airline’s investment in continuous professional development also means that pilots have access to ongoing training opportunities, keeping their skills sharp and up-to-date.

Pilots at Singapore Airlines enjoy competitive compensation packages and benefits, reflecting the high standards and expectations of the airline. This includes attractive salaries, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and generous allowances. The airline also provides opportunities for career advancement and progression, making it an appealing long-term career choice for pilots.

Being associated with the Singapore Airlines brand is a significant source of pride for pilots. SIA is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading airlines, known for its commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence. Pilots who fly for SIA carry the prestige of this global recognition, enhancing their professional reputation and career prospects within the aviation industry.

Singapore Airlines operates an extensive global network, flying to over 60 destinations across six continents. Pilots have the opportunity to gain international exposure and experience flying diverse routes, from long-haul intercontinental flights to regional services. This variety not only broadens their professional experience but also offers the adventure and excitement of exploring new destinations.

The organizational culture at Singapore Airlines is built on values of integrity, service excellence, and teamwork. Pilots are part of a cohesive and supportive community, where collaboration and mutual respect are emphasized. This positive working environment fosters a sense of belonging and pride among pilots, further enhancing the appeal of working for SIA.

Pilot Salaries and Benefits

Singapore Airlines (SIA) is renowned not only for its exceptional service and operational excellence but also for its attractive compensation packages for its pilots. The airline offers competitive salaries and benefits that reflect the high standards and demanding nature of the profession. This article provides an overview of the salaries for Second Officers, First Officers, and Captains at Singapore Airlines, highlighting the financial rewards that come with a career at one of the world’s leading airlines.

Second Officer

A Second Officer at Singapore Airlines is typically a pilot who is at the beginning of their career, often in the process of building experience and gaining additional flight hours. The role primarily involves assisting the First Officer and Captain, conducting pre-flight inspections, monitoring systems during flights, and managing communications.

Salary Range:

• The approximate annual salary for a Second Officer at Singapore Airlines ranges from SGD 75,000 to SGD 90,000 (up to $67,000 USD).
• This includes base salary, flight allowances, and other variable pay components based on flight hours and duty periods.

First Officer

A First Officer at Singapore Airlines is an experienced pilot who serves as the second-in-command of the aircraft. They work alongside the Captain, sharing responsibilities for flight operations, navigation, and safety procedures.

Salary Range:

• The annual salary for a First Officer typically ranges from SGD 120,000 to SGD 180,000 (up to $134,000 USD).
• This compensation includes a base salary, additional flight duty allowances, and performance bonuses.
• Factors such as the type of aircraft flown, flight hours, and seniority can influence the total compensation.

Captain

A Captain at Singapore Airlines is the most senior pilot on board, responsible for the overall command and safe operation of the flight. Captains are seasoned professionals with extensive experience and training, and they play a crucial role in decision-making, flight planning, and management of the flight crew.

Salary Range:

• The annual salary for a Captain at Singapore Airlines ranges from SGD 250,000 to SGD 350,000 (up to $260,000 USD).
• This comprehensive package includes a substantial base salary, flight duty allowances, bonuses, and other variable pay components.
• Captains flying long-haul international routes or operating larger aircraft such as the Airbus A380 or Boeing 777 can expect to be on the higher end of this salary range.

Additional Benefits and Perks

In addition to competitive salaries, pilots at Singapore Airlines enjoy a range of benefits and perks that enhance their overall compensation package:

• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering medical, dental, and vision care.
• Retirement Plans: Contributions to retirement savings plans to help pilots secure their financial future.
• Travel Benefits: Generous travel benefits for pilots and their families, including discounted or complimentary tickets on SIA flights and partner airlines.
• Housing Allowances: Housing allowances or subsidies for expatriate pilots to assist with living expenses in Singapore.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training and career development, ensuring pilots remain at the forefront of the aviation industry.

The salaries and benefits offered to pilots at Singapore Airlines reflect the airline’s commitment to attracting and retaining top talent in the aviation industry. From Second Officers to Captains, pilots at SIA are rewarded with competitive compensation packages that recognize their skills, experience, and contributions to the airline’s success. As Singapore Airlines continues to set industry standards for excellence, pilots who join this esteemed carrier can look forward to a financially rewarding and professionally fulfilling career.

What Do You Need to Apply for Employment?

SIA has a similar recruitment process and application qualification requirements to its historic South-East Asia rival – Cathay Pacific.

Direct Entry Second Officer

In order to apply for the Direct Entry Second Officer with SIA,  you will need to meet the following requirements:

• Possesses a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate, recognized or can be validated by Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (FAA is preferred).
• Holds a valid Commercial Pilot Licence with Multi-Engine Aircraft Instrument Rating (CPL/MEIR) with frozen ATPL (a full, unrestricted ATPL is preferred).
• Minimum of 200 total flying hours as pilot of aeroplanes; a minimum of 100 PIC hours will be required for candidates holding foreign pilot licences (1500 hours of total flight time is preferred).
• Able to speak and understand English with ICAO English Level 4 for inflight radio-telephony communications
• Educational qualification of GCE ‘A’ level, Diploma, or Degree. Otherwise, you must have obtained a minimum of 5 GCE ‘O’ Level credits. These must include English, Mathematics and a Science subject, taken at one sitting
• Myopia of not more than 600 degrees and astigmatism of not more than 200 degrees, fully correctable with optical aids
• Minimum height requirement of 1.62m to carry out safety and emergency procedures on board

Successful candidates will be required to serve for the duration of the training, and for a period of 7 years from the date of appointment as First Officer.

Direct Entry First Officer

In order to apply for the Direct Entry First Officer with SIA,  you will need to meet the following requirements:

• Possesses a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate, recognized or can be validated by Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)
• Holds a valid Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). (Check your eligibility through this document.)
• Minimum of 1500 total multi-crew flying hours on any passenger category jet aircraft (2500 total flight hours – preferred).
• Able to speak and understand English with ICAO English Level 4 for inflight radio-telephony communications (ICAO 5 is preferred)
• Minimum height requirement of 1.62m to carry out safety and emergency procedures on board

Which Aerocadet Program to Choose for Singapore Airlines?

You are in luck: we can offer you specially designed flight training and internship programs, which will not only meet the minimum requirements set for by Singapore airlines, but also exceeded them, and make you a competitive candidate with a fighting chance of getting a career pilot job with this very desirable employer. So, what programs do you need in order to apply?

For the Direct Entry Second Officer Application

As noted below, in order to be competitive as a second officer, applicant, will recommend that you enroll into our integrated flight training and internship program in the United States, called “Full professional airline pilot program, United States” (FPAP-US) which will give you an ability to obtain full and restricted FAAAPL, and over 1500 hours of flight time.

All the details about FPAP-US program are published on a website right here >>>

For the Direct Entry First Officer Application

Again, in order to be competitive for the direct entry first officer application, it would be ideal if you hold a full and restricted ATPL from an English-speaking country, over 2500 hours of total flight time, and at least 2000 hours flying as a first officer for a western airline. A suggested program to meet those qualifications would be our full professional airline pilot program in Canada (FPAP-C). This program will allow you to achieve commercial pilot certification, followed by two years of internship as a flight instructor, or a commercial pilot, followed by permanent residence application, followed by, two years of employment as a first officer with original airlines in Canada.

All the details about FPAP-C program are published on a website right here >>>

Questions? Comments? Send us an email to info@aerocadet.com or schedule a free consultation call with one of our airline pilot consultants here >>>

View Aerocadet’s “How to Become Cathay Pacific Pilot” webinar conducted May 15th, 2024, on our You Tube Channel >>> (Cathay has similar interview process to Singapore Airline)

About the Author:

Russ Sherwood is an airline captain and a line check pilot at a major US airline flying the A320/321 fleet. He has logged over 9000 flight hours and holds airline, commercial and flight instructor pilot licenses issued by the FAA (US), CAAC (China) and DGCA (Indonesia).  Russ is also a lead aviation career development consultant for Aerocadet.