Jet2 is the UK's third-largest airline, operating Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A321neo aircraft from 12 UK bases. The airline is known for intense competition — the FlightPath cadet programme attracted 18,000 applicants for 60 places, a 0.3% acceptance rate. Even experienced pilot positions draw thousands of applications. Your CV is the first filter in a 5-stage selection process based at Jet2 headquarters in Leeds.
Jet2's selection is distinctly values-driven — "Customer First" is not marketing language, it is the framework for every interview question and group exercise. Your CV must demonstrate these values through evidence, not assertions. For the full selection breakdown, see the Jet2 interview guide.
CV Guide Summary
- This guide covers how to format your pilot CV specifically for Jet2 applications.
- How to write a pilot CV for Jet2.
- Structure your CV to highlight the specific qualifications and experience Jet2 values most.
- Includes formatting templates, common mistakes to avoid, and section-by-section guidance.
- Jet2 is the UK's third-largest airline, operating Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A321neo aircraft from 12 UK bases.
What Jet2 Looks For
Jet2 evaluates pilots against five core values: Customer First, Team Working, Safety First, Responsibility, and Efficiency. Unlike airlines that screen primarily on technical criteria, Jet2 gives equal weight to personality and cultural fit. The group exercise at the Leeds assessment day is specifically designed to observe these behaviours.
Key items to highlight
- UK CAA or EASA ATPL (or equivalent) with Class 1 Medical
- Commercial jet experience in multi-crew operations
- Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 family type rating (or willingness for type rating through Jet2)
- Concrete examples of Customer First behaviour — not just a statement
- Team leadership or coordination experience — aviation or otherwise
- UK right to work (essential — Jet2 is a UK airline)
Height above 1.91m may require a functionality check. If this applies to you, mention it proactively — it does not disqualify you but demonstrates awareness of the practicality.
FlightPath Cadets vs Direct Entry
Jet2FlightPath (Cadets)
~60 fully funded places. 18-month ATPL training at Skyborne, Leading Edge, or FTEJerez, plus type rating. No previous flying required. Selection: online quiz, motivational application, cognitive tests, video interview, assessment day.
CV focus: education and grades, customer service experience (any industry), team achievements with specific outcomes, problem-solving examples, and a genuine motivation for Jet2 specifically — not just "airlines."
Direct Entry (Experienced / Second Officer)
Apply via Jet2 careers portal. Separate vacancies for Boeing and Airbus pilots. Non-type-rated pilots can apply for Second Officer positions and receive their type rating through Jet2.
CV focus: total hours with PIC/SIC breakdown, current type rating (B737 or A320 family), multi-crew jet experience, recency, and customer-facing examples from your flying career.
The Motivational Question
Jet2's online application includes a motivational text field — essentially a written statement explaining why you want to fly for Jet2. This is screened alongside your CV before any psychometric testing begins. Treat it as a structured cover letter: 200-300 words maximum, addressing why Jet2 specifically (not just "why aviation"), how you embody Customer First, and what you bring beyond technical skills.
What works vs what doesn't
Works: "I chose Jet2 because of your focus on the leisure market and customer experience — during my 3 years at [airline], I consistently received positive passenger feedback for..." Does not work: "I am passionate about flying and Jet2 is a great airline that offers good career progression."
CV Format & Structure
Jet2 accepts CV uploads through their careers portal. Use a single-column PDF, 2 pages maximum, with standard fonts. The CV should lead with your Professional Summary, then Licenses & Ratings, Flight Experience, Employment History, Education, and a brief section on customer service or values-aligned achievements.
Include a text-based hours summary near the top: "Total: X,XXX · PIC: X,XXX · B737: X,XXX · Multi-Engine: X,XXX." This ensures automated parsing captures your data even if a visual table fails. State your UK base preference — Jet2 operates from 12 UK airports.
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.
Jet2-Specific Mistakes
No reference to Jet2 values — Customer First, Team Working, Safety First. A CV that reads identically to your Ryanair application signals no effort to understand Jet2's culture.
Generic motivational text — "I want to fly for a great airline" is disqualifying at scale. With 18,000 applicants, only specific, evidenced motivation survives screening.
Applying for the wrong fleet — Jet2 recruits Boeing and Airbus pilots separately. A CV mentioning A320 experience when applying for a B737 position shows carelessness.
Not having UK right to work — Jet2 requires this. Do not apply without it, and state it clearly on your CV.
Purely technical CV with no soft skills evidence — Jet2 explicitly assesses Customer First behaviour. Your CV needs at least one concrete example of going above and beyond for a customer or team.