CV Guide Summary
- This guide covers how to format your pilot CV specifically for Iberia applications.
- How to write a pilot CV for Iberia.
- Airline CV screening uses ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) - formatting matters as much as content.
- Includes formatting templates, common mistakes to avoid, and section-by-section guidance.
- Iberia is Spain's flag carrier and a founding member of the International Airlines Group (IAG), alongside British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Vueling.
Iberia & IAG Group
Iberia is Spain's flag carrier and a founding member of the International Airlines Group (IAG), alongside British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Vueling. The airline operates from its Madrid-Barajas hub with one of Europe's strongest Latin American networks — Iberia offered 3.35 million seats to Latin America in summer 2026 alone. The fleet includes A320neo family for short-haul, A330 for medium-haul, and A350-900 for long-haul intercontinental routes.
Iberia's pilot pipeline is primarily fed through its Iberia Cadetes programme with FTEJerez, now in its sixth edition. Since 2017, the programme has produced 51 pilots who have been integrated into the Iberia Group. Understanding this pipeline is essential for targeting your CV correctly — whether you're applying via the cadet route or as a direct-entry First Officer.
What Iberia Looks For
Iberia values technical rigor, cultural alignment with Spanish aviation traditions, and strong language capability. The Cadetes programme requirements are among the strictest in Europe: completed university degree (TFG approved), European nationality or permanent Spanish work permit, no criminal record, English B2 minimum, Spanish C2 for non-native speakers, no prior ATPL exams, and height between 157cm and 191cm.
The university degree requirement is notable — most European cadet programmes only require secondary education. Iberia uses this to filter for candidates with demonstrated academic endurance. Your CV should prominently display your degree, university, and completion date.
CV Format & Language
For the Cadetes programme, submit your CV through Iberia's employment website. Include: personal details (nationality, work authorization), university degree details (institution, degree title, TFG completion), language certifications (English B2 with certificate name, Spanish C2 if non-native), and motivation. Since candidates must have no prior ATPL exams, flight experience is not expected — focus on academic record, leadership, and teamwork examples.
For direct-entry FO positions: standard pilot CV in English or Spanish, two pages, with EASA ATPL, type ratings (A320 family preferred for initial placement), total hours, and operational experience. Iberia coordinates with IAG Group recruitment — if you're also considering BA or Aer Lingus, note that IAG maintains separate selection processes per airline.
Iberia Cadetes Programme
The Cadetes programme provides 50% financing of the FTEJerez AFOP (Airline First Officer Programme) course, interest-free. Cadets repay Iberia's contribution from their net salary after completing an A320 type rating and joining the Iberia Group. The full AFOP cost is approximately €129,500 — so Iberia's contribution is roughly €65,000. Training is delivered at FTEJerez's campus in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
Iberia actively monitors cadets' progress during training. In February 2026, Iberia's Fleet Manager and Head of Training visited FTEJerez to evaluate current cadets — this level of engagement means your application is not just to FTEJerez but is judged against Iberia's operational standards from day one.
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 & Spanish Requirements
Iberia is part of IAG Group alongside British Airways and Aer Lingus. Present flight hours in the standard format: total, PIC, multi-engine, instrument, and multi-crew. Iberia operates all-Airbus fleet (A320neo family, A330, A340, A350) - highlight Airbus experience prominently.
Spanish language proficiency is a significant advantage. While cockpit operations are in English, crew briefings, cabin communication, and company culture are predominantly Spanish. If you speak Spanish at any level, include it. ICAO English Level 4 minimum is required, but Level 5 or 6 strengthens your application.
The Cadetes programme (cadet route through FTEJerez, €63,000 subsidised from €129,500) is Iberia primary recruitment pipeline. For direct entry, Iberia requires an EASA ATPL, type rating on an Airbus type, and significant command or PIC hours. First Officers earn €35,000-€110,000 with wide range reflecting seniority-based Spanish collective agreements.
AESA Licence Required
Iberia requires pilots to hold an AESA-issued (Spanish authority) EASA licence, not just any EASA state licence. If your licence is issued by another EASA state, you may need to transfer it to AESA before joining. This process takes 4-8 weeks - factor it into your timeline.
Iberia-Specific Mistakes
Applying without a completed degree. The university degree is a hard requirement for the Cadetes programme — not "in progress," not "expected." The TFG must be approved at the time of application. Don't waste an application cycle if your degree isn't complete.
Underestimating the Spanish requirement. C2 Spanish for non-native speakers means near-native proficiency. A B2 certificate won't suffice. If you're not there yet, invest in intensive Spanish preparation before applying — this requirement eliminates most non-Spanish European applicants.
Having sat ATPL exams. This is an unusual disqualifier — candidates who have already attempted ATPL examinations are ineligible for the Cadetes programme. Iberia wants ab initio candidates specifically. If you've started modular ATPL theory, the Cadetes route is closed to you.