CV Guide Summary
- This guide covers how to format your pilot CV specifically for Aer Lingus applications.
- How to write a pilot CV for Aer Lingus.
- Structure your CV to highlight the specific qualifications and experience Aer Lingus values most.
- Includes formatting templates, common mistakes to avoid, and section-by-section guidance.
- Aer Lingus is Ireland's flag carrier and a member of the International Airlines Group (IAG), alongside British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling.
Aer Lingus & IAG Group
Aer Lingus is Ireland's flag carrier and a member of the International Airlines Group (IAG), alongside British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling. Founded in 1936, the airline operates from its Dublin hub with additional bases at Cork, Shannon, and Knock, serving over 100 routes across Europe, the UK, and North America. The IAG connection matters for your CV — Aer Lingus shares operational standards and some crew procedures with its IAG siblings, so experience or training aligned with IAG culture is valued.
The airline's fleet is all-Airbus: A320neo for short-haul and A321neo LR/A321XLR for transatlantic routes. The A321XLR deliveries are expanding transatlantic service to secondary US cities — making Aer Lingus unusual among European short-haul carriers in offering significant long-haul flying on narrowbody aircraft. New pilots start on the A320 family as First Officers.
What Aer Lingus Looks For
Aer Lingus emphasises communication, problem-solving, and teamwork — these are the competencies explicitly stated in their recruitment materials. The airline also places strong emphasis on diversity, actively encouraging female applicants (currently 11% of pilots are female, which is industry-leading but still targeted for growth). Your CV should demonstrate these soft skills through concrete examples, not just list them.
Requirements include: EASA ATPL (or frozen ATPL), EASA Class 1 Medical, right to work in Ireland without sponsorship, valid passport for unrestricted worldwide travel, and the ability to pass security clearance including Garda vetting and a five-year background check.
CV Format & Structure
Submit in English, two pages maximum. Structure: personal details (nationality, right to work status), licence and type ratings, flight hours (total, PIC, multi-engine, instrument), education (Leaving Certificate or equivalent with minimum two Higher Level H5 grades for cadet route), employment history, and additional skills. Aer Lingus values pilots who want to grow within the company — mention your interest in command development, as the airline promotes exclusively from within.
For the Direct Entry route, your CV should prominently display: current type rating (A320 family preferred), total hours, and recency. Aer Lingus assigns all new pilots to a base with a Base Captain who monitors performance — show you're coachable and team-oriented.
Future Pilot vs Direct Entry
Aer Lingus offers two pilot pathways. The Future Pilot Programme (FPP) is fully sponsored — a 14-month course at an international academy (FTEJerez), producing 90 pilots over five years.
Cadets receive an MPL (Multi-Crew Pilot Licence). Requirements: 18+ years, Leaving Certificate or equivalent, and no prior flight experience needed. For FPP applications, your CV focuses on academic record, motivation, and soft skills rather than flight experience.
The Direct Entry Pilot (DEP) route targets qualified pilots with an EASA ATPL. This route may resume in 2026 for non-type-rated, low-hour pilots. For DEP applications, your CV is a standard pilot CV with emphasis on hours, type ratings, and operational experience.
Photo Policy
Most European airlines do not require a photo on your CV, and including one can trigger unconscious bias concerns in some HR departments. Do not add a photo unless the airline specifically requests one on their careers page.
Submit as PDF
Always submit your CV as a PDF unless the airline specifically requests Word format. ATS systems can strip formatting from .docx files — tables, columns, and custom fonts often render as garbled text. Use a single-column layout with standard section headings.
Flight Hours Presentation
Aer Lingus uses a standard hours format. Present your total time, PIC, multi-engine, instrument, and multi-crew hours in a clear table. For the Future Pilot Programme, hours are irrelevant - focus on academic results and motivation instead. For Direct Entry, emphasise A320 family hours if you have them. The airline does not use factorized hours - present actual logged time only.
If transitioning from another IAG airline (BA, Iberia, Vueling), highlight your IAG experience prominently. Cross-fleet transitions within IAG are increasingly common and viewed positively. Mention any familiarity with IAG SOPs, Navblue systems, or IAG safety management frameworks.
Recency matters. Aer Lingus expects recent flying experience - if you have been out of the cockpit for more than 6 months, address this directly in your cover letter with your plan to regain currency. A gap without explanation is a red flag.
A321XLR Opportunity
Aer Lingus is expanding its transatlantic network with A321XLR deliveries. If you have long-haul experience on narrowbody aircraft or ETOPS experience, mention it prominently. Most applicants focus only on short-haul A320 experience and miss this differentiator.
Aer Lingus-Specific Mistakes
Not addressing right to work. Aer Lingus does not sponsor visas. State your work authorization clearly: "EU citizen — unrestricted right to work in Ireland" or specify your existing Irish work permit. Applications without this clarity get filtered out.
Ignoring transatlantic ambitions. Aer Lingus is expanding its North American network with A321XLR aircraft. Mentioning interest in long-haul narrowbody operations or transatlantic routes signals alignment with the airline's growth strategy — something most applicants miss.
Missing the security clearance reality. Aer Lingus requires Garda vetting, five-year background checks, and police disclosure certificates for non-Irish citizens. Don't bury this — confirm you can comply. Any gaps in employment history will be scrutinised.