Air Transat (TS) is a Canadian leisure airline headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, and operates an extensive network connecting Canada with destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, South America, the United States, and other international markets.
The airline has major hubs at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport and has built its operation around seasonal leisure travel and long-haul international flying.
Air Transat Pilot Salary in 2026
For pilots, Air Transat offers the opportunity to operate an all-Airbus fleet made up of A321 and A330 aircraft. Pilot compensation received a significant boost in 2026 after Air Transat pilots ratified a new five-year collective agreement covering the period through April 2030. The agreement introduced substantial increases to pilot pay, making Air Transat’s compensation considerably more competitive within the Canadian airline industry.
Air Transat First Officer Salary
Under the 2026 pay scale, an Air Transat first officer starts at approximately CAD 89,255 per year (around USD 64,700) from May 2026, based on the contractual monthly flight-time guarantee. The salary increases with years of service, reaching approximately CAD 205,981 (around USD 149,200) at the year-10 level. The published scale is based on flight-time credits, with the agreement providing a minimum guarantee of 75 credits per month.
The progression means that first officer pay rises steadily as pilots build seniority with the airline. In addition to the basic salary scale, pilots can earn additional compensation through premium flying and other contractual payments. Flight-time credits above the applicable premium threshold are paid at higher rates, meaning actual annual earnings can be higher than the basic guaranteed salary.
Air Transat Captain Salary
An Air Transat captain starts at approximately CAD 231,525 per year (around USD 167,700) under the salary scale that came into effect in May 2026. Captain pay then increases with years of service, reaching approximately CAD 334,809 (around USD 242,500) at the highest published rate in the current scale. The contract provides further scheduled increases through May 2029, when the top salary level rises further.
The new agreement represents a major improvement over Air Transat’s previous pilot compensation structure. The airline’s most senior captains are ultimately scheduled to approach CAD 388,000 per year by May 2029, while experienced first officers are set to exceed CAD 238,000. These figures demonstrate the scale of the increases secured in the new agreement and the stronger long-term earning potential available to pilots who build seniority with Air Transat.
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Benefits Enjoyed by Air Transat Pilots
Air Transat’s pilots are provided with the following perks.
- Competitive Salary – Air Transat pilots benefit from a significantly improved salary structure under the five-year collective agreement ratified in January 2026, with further increases already scheduled through 2029.
- Flight-Related Pay – Pilots receive compensation based on flight-time credits, while credits above the contractual premium threshold can attract higher rates of pay.
- Work-Life Balance – Air Transat provides scheduling arrangements designed to support a better balance between flying duties and personal time, including the possibility of reduced-hour flying programmes and guaranteed minimum credits.
- Travel Opportunities – Pilots operate an international leisure network covering destinations across Europe, the Americas and other international markets.
- Insurance Coverage – The pilot benefits package includes life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage. The agreement also provides short-term disability protection.
- Career Progression – Pilots can progress through the first officer and captain ranks while building seniority and gaining experience across Air Transat’s Airbus fleet.
- Airbus Fleet – Pilots operate an all-Airbus fleet, creating opportunities to fly both A321 and A330 aircraft and benefit from the commonality of Airbus cockpit systems.
- Pilot Bases – Air Transat has pilot bases in Montreal and Toronto, giving pilots the opportunity to operate from two of Canada’s major aviation centres.
What Aircraft Do Air Transat Pilots Fly
Air Transat operates an all-Airbus fleet focused on the A321 and A330 families. Its fleet structure in 2026 includes the following aircraft:
- Airbus A321-200 – 8
- Airbus A321LR – 19
- Airbus A330-200 – 14
- Airbus A330-300 – 2
Air Transat also has four Airbus A321XLR aircraft on order.
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Requirements To Become A Pilot for Air Transat
Air Transat’s first officers need to meet the criteria below.
- Hold a valid Transport Canada Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), or a Commercial Pilot Licence with the required IATRA or SAMRA/SARON examinations completed.
- Hold a valid Category 1 medical certificate.
- Maintain an updated certified flight logbook documenting flying experience.
- Have a thorough understanding of Canadian Aviation Regulations.
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Have no restrictions affecting travel to the United States or other countries served by Air Transat.
- A college-level aviation or pilot diploma is considered an asset.
In addition to first officers, Air Transat has the following requirements for captains.
- Hold the appropriate Transport Canada ATPL and meet the regulatory requirements to operate as pilot in command.
- Hold a valid Category 1 medical certificate.
- Have the required operational experience and flying record for command qualification.
- Complete Air Transat’s captain upgrade and training requirements.
- Successfully complete the required simulator training and pilot proficiency checks.
- Maintain the licences, ratings, medical certification and qualifications required for the aircraft being operated.
Hiring Process
Air Transat’s hiring process for pilots follows the steps below.
- Online Application – Candidates submit an application with their CV, certified logbook and required licensing information. The hiring team reviews applications against the qualifications required for the position.
- Initial Screening – The recruitment team assesses a candidate’s experience, licences, medical certification, Canadian residency or citizenship status and eligibility to travel.
- Aptitude Assessment – Shortlisted candidates may complete aptitude and psychometric assessments designed to evaluate areas such as reasoning, mathematics, personality and cognitive performance.
- Technical Assessment – Candidates are assessed on aviation knowledge, technical subjects and the operational competencies expected from an airline pilot.
- Interview – Successful candidates proceed to interviews where Air Transat evaluates their professional experience, communication skills, judgement, teamwork and suitability for the airline.
- Simulator Assessment – Candidates who progress further complete a simulator assessment to demonstrate their ability to manage aircraft operations, procedures, workload and decision-making.
- Final Checks and Offer – The airline completes final employment and qualification checks before extending an offer to successful candidates. Selected pilots then complete the required training and induction before entering line operations.
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Bottom Line
Air Transat pilots have significantly stronger earning potential in 2026 following the ratification of the airline’s new five-year collective agreement. First officers start at around CAD 89,255 (approximately USD 64,700) under the May 2026 scale and can progress to around CAD 205,981 (USD 149,200) at the tenth-year level. Captains start at approximately CAD 231,525 (USD 167,700), with the published scale reaching about CAD 334,809 (USD 242,500).
Beyond salary, the carrier provides pilots with international flying opportunities, Airbus fleet exposure, structured career progression, scheduling benefits and insurance coverage. With additional A321XLR aircraft due to join the fleet from 2027, the airline also offers longer-term opportunities as its fleet and network continue to develop.
Air Transat Pilot Salary FAQs
Air Transat first officers earn from approximately CAD 89,255 per year in the first year of the May 2026 salary scale, while the highest published first officer level is around CAD 205,981. Captains start at approximately CAD 231,525 and can reach around CAD 334,809 under the current published scale.
Air Transat operates an all-Airbus fleet consisting of Airbus A321ceo, A321LR, A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft. The airline also has four A321XLR aircraft scheduled for delivery from 2027.
Applicants for Air Transat’s first officer positions must hold the appropriate Canadian pilot licence, a Category 1 medical certificate, an updated certified logbook and the required regulatory knowledge. Canadian citizenship or permanent residency is also required, while a college-level aviation diploma is considered an asset.
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