Overview of Finnair
Finnair (AY) serves as Finland’s national airline and operates as the only full-service airline from the country. With a major share owned by the Finnish government since its inception in 1923, the carrier is based at Helsinki Vantaa International Airport. As a member of the Oneworld alliance, the second largest after Star Alliance, Finnair maintains a fleet of nearly 80 aircraft and flies to more than 100 destinations both domestically and internationally. It also plays an integral role in codesharing with Oneworld partners like American Airlines, British Airways, and Qatar Airways.
Finnair Pilot Compensation
Finnair currently employs about 850 pilots. Below is an insight into their salary structures, along with benefits and hiring requirements.
Salary for Finnair Second Officers
Second officers at Finnair, who function as relief pilots on long-haul flights, earn a base salary of €4,500 per month (approximately US$5,300). They receive per diems for layovers and additional earnings ranging from 20% to 40% over their base salary depending on flying hours.
Finnair First Officer Salary Details
First officers, positioned mid-senior among Finnair pilots, earn between €5,500 and €7,700 monthly (approximately US$6,400 to US$9,000). Their pay scales depend on aircraft type, flying hours, and experience, with hourly allowances contributing an additional 20% to 40% of their basic salary.
Overview of Captain’s Salary
Finnair captains, responsible for flight safety, receive salaries from €10,800 to €13,000 monthly (approximately US$12,600 to US$15,200). Their compensation is influenced by the prescribed aircraft, experience, and flying hours, with flights contributing an extra 20% to 40% over the salary.
Additional Finnair Pilot Benefits
- Layover Allowances: Monthly layover payouts average between €200 and €500 depending on layover cities and duration.
- Paid Time Off: Includes at least 10 days off monthly and 30 days of annual leave, totaling a minimum of 150 days annually.
- Staff Travel: Offers discounted travel across Finnair and Oneworld networks.
- Insurance Packages: Global medical and life insurance policies cover pilots and immediate family members.
- Career Advancement: Opportunities in strategic roles beyond flying, such as planning and aviation academics.
- Wellness Discounts: Discounts available at fitness facilities in Helsinki due to corporate partnerships.
Aircraft Utilized by Finnair
Finnair’s fleet primarily includes Airbus and a few ATR and Embraer aircraft for regional flights.
| Aircraft Type | Number |
|---|---|
| Airbus A319-100 | 5 |
| Airbus A320-200 | 10 |
| Airbus A321-200 | 15 |
| Airbus A330-300 | 8 |
| Airbus A350-900 | 18 |
| ATR 72-500 | 12 |
| Embraer E190 | 12 |
Becoming a Finnair Pilot
Finnair pilots need to meet specific criteria for employment. Required qualifications include a commercial pilot license, a three-year degree equivalent, height of at least 163cm, proficiency in Finnish and English, medical fitness, and security clearance.
Steps in the Hiring Process
- Online Application: Submission through Finnair’s careers portal.
- Virtual Test: Online assessment of psychometric abilities.
- Interview: In-person discussions, group activities, and simulator tests.
- Job Offer: Conditional offers after successful completion of interview and tests.
FAQs on Finnair Pilot Salary
1. Salary Range: Pilot salaries range from €4,500 to €13,000 monthly, influenced by seniority, experience, and aircraft type.
2. Base Location: Finnair pilots operate from Helsinki but may deadhead to other locations as needed.
3. Hiring Status: Finnair is not currently hiring pilots. Future vacancies will appear on their careers portal.




