LOT Polish Airlines is the flag carrier of Poland and one of the oldest airlines in the world. Headquartered in Warsaw, the airline operates from Warsaw Chopin Airport and connects Poland with destinations across Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East. LOT has continued to expand its network and fleet, with strong growth in long-haul operations and a major regional fleet renewal programme now underway.
For pilots, LOT offers the opportunity to fly a diverse fleet ranging from Embraer regional aircraft and Boeing 737s to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The airline is also preparing for the arrival of the Airbus A220 from 2027, with 40 aircraft firmly ordered and options and purchase rights for another 44.
LOT Polish Airlines Pilot Salary in 2026
Pilot pay varies considerably according to seniority, aircraft type, and whether a pilot operates short-haul or long-haul services. Current 2026 pay data places first officer earnings at approximately PLN 14,000–37,500 per month, while captains can earn around PLN 37,000–48,000 per month.
LOT Polish Airlines First Officer Salary
LOT Polish Airlines first officers can earn approximately PLN 14,000–37,500 per month (around USD 3,600–9,700), depending on seniority, aircraft, and flying operation. This gives an estimated annual salary range of approximately PLN 168,000–450,000 (around USD 43,000–116,000). Current pilot-pay data shows short-haul first officers averaging around PLN 21,000 per month at the upper end of the scale, while long-haul first officers can reach approximately PLN 37,500 per month.
The detailed pay structure is linked to flight hours and seniority rather than being a simple fixed monthly salary. The current published data uses a guaranteed 35 sector-block-hour minimum and shows first officer rates increasing as total flight time and seniority rise.
A first officer with 200 total flight hours starts at a lower rate, while pilots with substantial experience can progress to considerably higher short-haul and long-haul rates.
LOT Polish Airlines Captain Salary
LOT Polish Airlines captains can earn approximately PLN 37,000–48,000 per month (around USD 9,500–12,400), giving an estimated annual salary of PLN 444,000–576,000 (around USD 114,000–148,000). The upper end reflects the higher compensation available to experienced captains, particularly those operating long-haul aircraft.
The current salary information shows short-haul captain earnings averaging around PLN 44,000 per month and long-haul captain earnings around PLN 48,000 per month at the top end.
The detailed scale also increases according to total flight time, with experienced long-haul captains reaching a rate of PLN 707 per sector-block hour once the applicable experience threshold is reached.
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Benefits Enjoyed by LOT Polish Airlines Pilots
LOT Polish Airlines pilots are entitled the following benefits during their employment.
- Competitive Salary – LOT provides a seniority-based pay structure in which pilot earnings increase with experience, flight hours and progression from first officer to captain.
- Flight-Related Pay – A significant part of pilot compensation is linked to sector-block hours, meaning actual earnings can rise as flying activity increases.
- Long-Haul Opportunities – Pilots can progress from regional and short-haul aircraft to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, giving experienced crew access to international long-haul operations.
- Travel Benefits – LOT pilots receive unlimited staff travel on LOT from the beginning of employment, with ID travel available after six months according to current pilot employment data.
- Paid Leave – Pilots receive 30 days of paid leave per year, although the current published conditions note that guaranteed hours are paid during leave.
- Stable Rosters – LOT’s current pilot employment information states that rosters are provided 14 days in advance for the month, with pilots able to request three blocks of three days off for family occasions.
- Career Progression – LOT provides a pathway from first officer positions into captain roles, while its diverse fleet allows pilots to build experience across Embraer, Boeing 737 and Boeing 787 operations.
- Training Opportunities – LOT provides training on selected aircraft types and has access to modern simulator facilities through the Polish Aviation Academy.
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What Aircraft Do LOT Polish Airlines Pilots Fly?
LOT Polish Airlines operates a mixed fleet of Boeing and Embraer aircraft, with the Airbus A220 set to join from 2027. Currently, they fly the following aircraft.
- Embraer E170 – 4
- Embraer E175 – 13
- Embraer E190 – 8
- Embraer E195 – 16
- Embraer E195-E2 – 3
- Boeing 737-800 – 6
- Boeing 737 MAX 8 – 29
- Boeing 787-8 – 8
- Boeing 787-9 – 7
LOT also has 40 Airbus A220 aircraft on firm order, consisting of A220-100 and A220-300 aircraft, with options and purchase rights for another 44. In addition, LOT has two Boeing 787-8 aircraft on order, supporting the continued expansion of its long-haul operation.
Requirements To Become A Pilot for LOT Polish Airlines
LOT Polish Airlines’ first officers must meet the following requirements.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have at least 200 total flight hours.
- Hold an EASA Part-FCL or ICAO ATPL(A), or an EASA Part-FCL CPL(A) together with a passed ATPL theoretical knowledge examination.
- Hold a valid type rating, or have the required IR/ME, MCC, JOC and UPRT qualifications if not yet type rated.
- Have at least ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 4.
- Hold a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate.
- Have an unrestricted right to live and work within the European Union.
- Meet LOT’s aircraft-specific training and assessment requirements.
LOT’s pilots are required to fulfil the criteria below.
- Hold the appropriate EASA or ICAO Airline Transport Pilot Licence.
- Have at least 3,000 total flight hours.
- Have at least 1,000 hours of multi-crew pilot-in-command experience.
- Have the required aircraft type rating for the position.
- Meet the minimum aircraft weight and experience requirements specified for the vacancy.
- Have ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 5.
- Hold a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate.
- Have an unrestricted right to live and work within the European Union.
- Successfully complete LOT’s technical, simulator and command assessments.
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Hiring Process
LOT’s hiring process for pilots consists of the steps below.
- Online Application – Candidates submit their application, CV, licences, medical certification, flight records and other required documentation through the appropriate LOT recruitment channel.
- Initial Screening – LOT reviews the candidate’s licence, flying experience, qualifications, medical status and right to work in the European Union against the requirements of the advertised position.
- Aptitude Assessment – Shortlisted candidates may complete aptitude and psychometric assessments designed to evaluate cognitive ability, numerical reasoning, decision-making and other relevant pilot competencies.
- Technical Assessment – Candidates are assessed on aviation knowledge, aircraft systems, operating procedures, regulations and technical subjects relevant to the position.
- Interview – LOT evaluates the candidate’s professional experience, communication, teamwork, judgement, safety awareness and suitability for the airline’s operating environment.
- Simulator Assessment – Candidates who progress further complete a simulator assessment to demonstrate aircraft handling, procedures, workload management, situational awareness and crew resource management.
- Final Checks and Offer – LOT completes the necessary licence, medical, employment and background checks before making an offer. Successful candidates then complete the required company training, type-rating or induction before beginning line operations.
Bottom Line
LOT Polish Airlines offers pilots a broad career path across regional, short-haul and long-haul operations. Current 2026 pay information places first officer earnings at approximately PLN 14,000–37,500 per month, or around PLN 168,000–450,000 annually, depending on seniority, aircraft and flying activity. Captains can earn approximately PLN 37,000–48,000 per month, equivalent to PLN 444,000–576,000 per year.
The airline also provides pilots with access to staff travel, paid leave, stable roster arrangements and opportunities to progress onto larger aircraft. LOT’s planned A220 fleet will further change its regional operation from 2027, while additional Boeing 787 aircraft will support continued long-haul growth.
For pilots considering LOT, the actual amount earned will depend heavily on seniority, aircraft type, and flight activity. The published pay structure shows a clear difference between short-haul and long-haul operations, with the highest earning potential available to experienced captains flying the airline’s long-haul fleet.
FAQs
LOT Polish Airlines first officers can earn approximately PLN 168,000–450,000 per year, while captains can earn around PLN 444,000–576,000 annually. The exact amount depends on seniority, aircraft type and flying activity.
LOT pilots currently fly Embraer E170, E175, E190, E195 and E195-E2 aircraft, along with Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737 MAX 8, Boeing 787-8 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The airline has also ordered 40 Airbus A220 aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2027.
Current first officer recruitment requires at least 200 total flight hours, while the current direct-entry captain requirements specify at least 3,000 total flight hours and 1,000 hours of multi-crew pilot-in-command experience. Aircraft-specific vacancies can have additional requirements.
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