Vueling is the largest airline in Spain by fleet size and destinations, operating an all-Airbus fleet (A319, A320, A321) to over 130 destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Based at Barcelona El Prat with a secondary hub at Madrid Barajas, Vueling is part of the IAG Group alongside British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus — making it a strategic entry point into one of Europe's largest airline groups.
Vueling was the first low-cost carrier to receive Top Employer certification in Spain, reflecting its investment in workplace culture. The airline's "DNA" — as they call their principles — centres on friendly people and continuous improvement. Your CV must demonstrate both technical competence and cultural alignment with a Spanish-language, Barcelona-based operation. For full assessment details, see the Vueling interview guide.
CV Guide Summary
- This guide covers how to format your pilot CV specifically for Vueling applications.
- How to write a pilot CV for Vueling.
- Structure your CV to highlight the specific qualifications and experience Vueling values most.
- Includes formatting templates, common mistakes to avoid, and section-by-section guidance.
- Vueling is the largest airline in Spain by fleet size and destinations, operating an all-Airbus fleet (A319, A320, A321) to over 130 destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
What Vueling Looks For
Vueling values commitment, passion for the profession, and high service quality. The selection process includes ATPL and A320 technical tests, psychometrics, reasoning assessments, English language tests, HR interview, and a simulator assessment. Cultural fit with the Barcelona-based team is evaluated throughout.
Key items to highlight
- Spanish EASA licence (or plan to transfer before OCC)
- ATPL (frozen or unfrozen) with Class 1 Medical
- ICAO English Level 4+ and Spanish language proficiency
- A320 family experience (A320/A330/A340 are all advantageous)
- Minimum 200 factorized Vueling hours for direct entry
- Customer service orientation and team collaboration examples
The Spanish EASA Licence Requirement
This is the most common stumbling block for non-Spanish applicants. Vueling requires a Spanish EASA licence before starting the Operator Conversion Course — not at the time of application, but before your start date. If you hold an EASA licence from another EU member state, you must transfer it to AESA (Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea).
Licence transfer timeline
The transfer process typically takes 4-8 weeks. It requires: your current EASA licence and medical, training records, a formal application to AESA, and processing fees. Start this process as soon as you decide to apply — not after receiving an offer. Delays in licence transfer are the most common reason for missed start dates.
On your CV, state your current licence authority and add a note: "Spanish EASA licence transfer: in progress / planned" if applicable. This shows proactive planning and removes a potential red flag during screening.
Cadet Programme vs Direct Entry
CAE Cadet Pilot Programme
Ab-initio programme for candidates with little or no flying experience. Training at CAE academies in Madrid, Oxford, and Brussels. Includes EASA theoretical knowledge, flight training, and A320 type rating. Multiple intakes per year.
CV focus: education, English fluency (all aptitude testing is in English), motivation for Vueling specifically, and research into the company's values and Barcelona base life. CAE advises against extensive test preparation — they seek natural aptitude.
Direct Entry First Officer
Apply through careers.vueling.com. Requirements: Spanish EASA licence (before OCC), ATPL, Class 1 Medical, ICAO English Level 4+, minimum 200 factorized Vueling hours. A320/A330/A340 experience is an advantage.
CV focus: total hours with PIC/SIC breakdown, current A320 type rating and recency, Spanish language ability, and evidence of operating in a high-frequency, multi-base LCC environment.
IAG Group Career Mobility
Vueling's membership in IAG (British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, LEVEL) creates long-term career optionality. While there is no automatic transfer between carriers, IAG pilots can apply for internal positions across the group. A320 hours accumulated at Vueling are directly transferable. If IAG career mobility is part of your strategy, mention it in your career objectives — but frame Vueling as your primary commitment, not a stepping stone.
CV Format & Structure
Apply through careers.vueling.com. Upload a single-column PDF, 2 pages maximum. Lead with Professional Summary, then Licenses & Ratings (stating licence authority clearly), Flight Experience, Employment History, Education, and Language Skills (English + Spanish levels).
Include a text-based hours summary: "Total: X,XXX · PIC: X,XXX · A320: X,XXX · Multi-Engine: X,XXX." List your Spanish language level explicitly — even basic Spanish is worth stating. If you have experience at other LCCs or high-frequency operations, highlight sector count and turnaround familiarity.
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.
Vueling-Specific Mistakes
No Spanish licence plan — submitting a CV without mentioning your Spanish EASA licence status (current or transfer plan) is an immediate red flag. Recruiters know non-Spanish licence holders face a 4-8 week bottleneck.
No Spanish language mentioned — even if not formally tested at application stage, Spanish is required before joining. Omitting it from your CV suggests you have not researched the role. List your level honestly, even if basic.
Positioning Vueling as a stepping stone to BA or Iberia — IAG mobility is a benefit, but framing Vueling as temporary until you can transfer to a "better" carrier is disqualifying. Recruiters want pilots who are committed to Vueling's operation.
Reapplying within 6 months — Vueling enforces a 6-month cooldown between applications. If rejected, update your CV substantially before the next attempt. Submitting the same CV signals no effort to address weaknesses.