Quick answer: To fly for a European airline you need an EASA ATPL(A) built on a "frozen ATPL", a Class 1 medical, ICAO English Level 4 or higher, and eventually an aircraft type rating. Most people reach a first-officer seat in 18–36 months and spend €70,000–€120,000 when self-funded. There are three routes — integrated, modular, and airline-sponsored MPL.
The three training routes, compared
| Route | Duration | Typical 2026 cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated ATP | 18–24 months, full-time | €90,000–€120,000 | Career-changers who can train full-time in one school |
| Modular | 2–4 years, flexible | €55,000–€85,000 | Paying as you go, training while working |
| MPL (airline cadet) | 18–24 months | €90,000–€130,000, often financed | Candidates accepted onto one airline's cadet programme |
The modular route is the cheapest and most flexible; the integrated route is fastest; the MPL ties you to a single airline from day one but usually comes with a job at the end.
The order of operations
- Pass a Class 1 medical first. Before spending a euro on training, confirm you can hold an EASA Class 1. Failing it later is the most expensive mistake in the industry.
- PPL(A) — your private licence and first solo hours.
- ATPL theory — 14 written exams, the academic backbone of the licence.
- Hour building + CPL(A) — the commercial licence.
- Multi-engine class rating + Instrument Rating (IR).
- MCC / JOC — multi-crew cooperation and jet orientation.
- Frozen ATPL → apply to airlines → type rating.
What it actually costs in 2026
Beyond the headline course price, budget for the extras that quotes leave out: Class 1 medical (~€600 initial), ATPL theory materials and exam fees (~€3,000), ICAO English test, and a type rating (€20,000–€35,000 if self-funded, though many airlines now sponsor it — see our type rating cost breakdown).
Requirements at a glance
- Age: 18+ to hold a CPL.
- Medical: EASA Class 1, renewed annually.
- English: ICAO Level 4 minimum; Level 5–6 is what airlines actually prefer (why it matters).
- Education: no university degree required — airlines hire on licence, hours, and attitude.
How long until you're actually hired
Training is 18–36 months. Getting hired then depends on the market and how well you present your file. In 2026, demand is strong, but airlines still filter hard on document quality: a clean, verifiable logbook and licence pack gets you shortlisted faster than an extra 100 hours.
FAQ
Do I need a degree to be an airline pilot in Europe? No. EASA airlines hire on the licence, medical, ratings and hours — not academic degrees.
Can I train while keeping my job? Yes, via the modular route, which lets you complete each module at your own pace.
What is a frozen ATPL? It is a CPL with multi-engine IR and all 14 ATPL exams passed — enough to fly as a first officer. Full explainer here.
▶ Watch route-by-route walkthroughs on the Veejo YouTube channel.
How Veejo helps
- Free career profile to track every hour, exam and expiry toward your licence.
- Verified airline-pilot tutors for ATPL theory and interview prep.
- A direct pipe to hiring operators once you hold a frozen ATPL.