CV Guide Summary
- This guide covers how to format your pilot CV specifically for LOT Polish Airlines applications.
- How to write a pilot CV for LOT Polish Airlines.
- Structure your CV to highlight the specific qualifications and experience LOT Polish Airlines values most.
- Includes formatting templates, common mistakes to avoid, and section-by-section guidance.
- LOT Polish Airlines is Poland's flag carrier, a Star Alliance founding member, and one of the world's oldest airlines (founded 1928).
LOT — Flag Carrier & Star Alliance
LOT Polish Airlines is Poland's flag carrier, a Star Alliance founding member, and one of the world's oldest airlines (founded 1928). State-owned through Polska Grupa Lotnicza (PGL), LOT operates approximately 90 aircraft from Warsaw Chopin Airport: Boeing 787-8/9 Dreamliners on long-haul, Boeing 737 MAX 8 on European routes, and Embraer E-jets for regional operations. The airline has 40 Airbus A220s on order from 2027 to replace the Embraer fleet.
LOT is in aggressive growth mode — 11.7 million passengers in 2025 (+9.4%), new long-haul routes (Warsaw–San Francisco launched May 2026), and a fleet target of 110+ aircraft by 2028. This growth creates fast Captain upgrade times (2–5 years) and active international recruitment. Applications go through the LOT careers portal.
What LOT Looks For
LOT's minimum requirements: EASA ATPL(A) or CPL(IR) with ATPL theory, valid Class 1 Medical, ICAO English Level 4 minimum. A current Boeing type rating (737 or 787) is strongly preferred for direct-entry positions. LOT recruits both First Officers and direct-entry Captains, with Captain upgrade available in as little as 2–3 years for experienced pilots.
Your CV should demonstrate: Boeing fleet experience (737 and/or 787 hours are the strongest signal), EASA licence compliance, multicultural adaptability (LOT's 787 fleet includes significant non-Polish crew), and willingness to be based in Warsaw. If you speak Polish, even at a basic level, mention it — it signals commitment to the country and airline.
CV Format & Fleet Targeting
Submit your CV in English. Two pages maximum. Structure: personal details (nationality, languages with ICAO levels), flight experience with total hours and type-specific breakdowns, licences and ratings, education, and additional qualifications. If you hold multiple type ratings, lead with Boeing types.
Fleet targeting matters. LOT operates three distinct fleets with different career profiles. If you have 737 experience, emphasise it — the 737 MAX 8 fleet is growing fastest (6 new deliveries in 2026 alone).
If you have widebody time (787, 777, A330, A340), highlight total heavy jet hours and long-haul experience. Embraer-typed pilots can apply for the regional fleet, which offers the fastest Captain upgrade path.
LOT Flight Academy graduates: If you trained at LFA, mention this explicitly — it signals familiarity with LOT SOPs and culture. Note that LFA graduation does not guarantee employment; you must apply through the standard selection process.
B2B Contract — Show You Understand
Most LOT pilots start on B2B (business-to-business) contractor arrangements — typically for the first 2 years. You register a sole proprietorship, invoice LOT monthly, and pay flat 19% tax. After approximately 2 years, you can transition to a standard employment contract.
Don't put B2B details on your CV. But be prepared to discuss it at interview — LOT panellists will assess whether you've researched the model and are comfortable with it. Candidates who express surprise or reluctance about B2B during the assessment demonstrate poor preparation. Understanding the financial structure (block-hour rates, ZUS contributions, tax implications) is part of showing you're serious about LOT.
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 & B2B Contract Model
LOT Polish Airlines uses a B2B (business-to-business) contract model for many pilot positions, meaning you invoice the airline as a self-employed contractor rather than being a salaried employee. This affects how you present your CV - LOT wants to see you as a professional service provider. Include any self-employment or freelance aviation experience.
Present flight hours with emphasis on Boeing fleet experience. LOT operates 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner - if you hold either type rating, lead with it. For the 787, widebody PIC hours are particularly valued. Total hours should include multi-crew jet time prominently.
LOT is a Star Alliance member under PGL (Polska Grupa Lotnicza) ownership. First Officer salaries are €34,000-€50,000 on B2B contracts (lower than Western European carriers but competitive for Poland). Captains earn €67,000-€94,000. The cost of living in Warsaw is 40-50% below London or Frankfurt, so real purchasing power is comparable.
B2B Tax Implications
LOT B2B contracts mean you are responsible for your own tax, health insurance, and pension contributions. Many pilots use the Polish flat tax (19%) or lump sum (ryczalt) options. Mention in your CV or cover letter that you understand the B2B model - it shows you will not be surprised by the contract structure.
LOT-Specific Mistakes
Treating LOT as a budget carrier. LOT is a full-service Star Alliance flag carrier operating widebody intercontinental flights. CVs that position the applicant as seeking "any European LCC job" miss the mark. Reference Star Alliance, the long-haul network, or the Boeing 787 programme to show genuine interest.
Ignoring fleet diversity. LOT operates four aircraft families (Embraer, 737, 787, and soon A220). A generic CV that doesn't reference a target fleet suggests you haven't researched the airline. State which fleet interests you and why — especially if your experience aligns with a specific type.
No mention of Warsaw relocation willingness. All LOT bases are in Warsaw. International applicants who don't mention willingness to relocate leave the panel guessing. A simple line confirming your readiness to base in Warsaw removes this uncertainty.
Omitting language skills beyond English. While English is sufficient, Polish at any level is a genuine advantage. German, French, or Asian languages are also valuable for LOT's network. List all languages with proficiency levels — even "Polish — basic / A1" shows interest in the country.