The three type ratings that dominate European pilot demand in 2026 are the A320 family, the B737NG/MAX, and the Embraer 170/175/190/195. If you're self-funding, the choice affects your bank account by €5,000-€15,000. If you're airline-sponsored, it affects your bond length and break-clause cost. Here's the 2026 picture.
What's actually in the price
A type-rating quote usually bundles:
- Ground school (CBT + classroom)
- Fixed-base trainer (FBT) hours
- Full-flight simulator (FFS) hours
- Examiner fees for the LST
- Base training (touch-and-go, when required)
- Documentation and licence endorsement fees
Things often not in the quote:
- Class 1 medical renewal
- ICAO English re-test if expiring
- Travel and accommodation to the training centre
- Per-diem during the residential block
- Uniform, flight bag, EFB licences
Add €2,500-€6,500 to any quote for these.
A320 family
The Airbus narrowbody type rating remains the most expensive of the three, mostly because Airbus-specific training centres charge premium sim rates.
| Component | Cost (EUR, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Ground school + CBT | 4,000-6,500 |
| FBT (8-12 hours) | 2,500-4,000 |
| FFS (32-40 hours) | 15,000-22,000 |
| Examiner / LST | 1,500-2,500 |
| Documentation | 250-500 |
| Total before extras | 23,250-35,500 |
Cheaper end: training centres in Spain, Portugal, and Eastern Europe. Premium: Toulouse, Hamburg, the UK.
B737NG / MAX
The Boeing narrowbody is the cheapest of the three in 2026, with abundant sim capacity across Europe.
| Component | Cost (EUR, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Ground school + CBT | 3,500-5,500 |
| FBT (6-10 hours) | 1,800-3,000 |
| FFS (32-40 hours) | 13,500-19,500 |
| Examiner / LST | 1,500-2,500 |
| Documentation | 250-500 |
| Total before extras | 20,550-31,000 |
Note: 737 MAX type rating uses an additional MAX differences module. Most schools bundle this; some charge €800-€1,200 extra. Verify before booking.
Embraer E-Jets (170/175/190/195)
The E-Jet family rating is the most accessible: shorter sim time, lighter ground school, fewer training centres but adequate capacity.
| Component | Cost (EUR, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Ground school + CBT | 3,000-4,500 |
| FBT (6-8 hours) | 1,500-2,500 |
| FFS (24-32 hours) | 11,000-16,500 |
| Examiner / LST | 1,500-2,500 |
| Documentation | 250-500 |
| Total before extras | 17,250-26,500 |
A second consideration: the E-Jet single rating covers the 170/175 *or* the 190/195 family. Some operators want you on both, which means a differences course (~€2,500-4,500) on top.
Base training: included or extra?
Base training (the actual touch-and-go circuits on a real aircraft) is required by some national CAAs and operators, optional for others. In 2026:
- Required regardless: France (DGAC), Italy (ENAC) for some operations, several Middle East CAAs
- Operator-discretion: UK CAA, Ireland (IAA), Germany (LBA) — depends on the airline's operations specifications
Base training cost when separate: €3,500-€7,500 depending on aircraft availability.
Self-funded vs airline-sponsored
The economics flip depending on the route:
| Self-funded | Airline-sponsored | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Full price | €0 |
| Hidden cost | None | Bond + break-clause |
| Typical bond duration | n/a | 3-5 years |
| Typical break-clause | n/a | €15,000-€45,000 |
| Risk | Money lost if not hired | Locked-in if airline goes south |
In 2026, the bond economics are tighter than in 2019. With pilot demand still elevated, several European low-cost carriers reduced bond duration from 5 to 3 years. Some Middle East carriers continue to offer bond-free type ratings to qualified candidates.
Recency considerations
Holding the type rating is only useful if you maintain recency:
- 3 take-offs and landings every 90 days to remain current for line operations
- 6-monthly LPC + OPC in the simulator
- Annual recurrent ground school
Self-funded pilots who pass the rating but don't get hired within 6-12 months may need to do a refresher course before passing the LPC. Cost: €3,000-€6,000.
Which to do?
If you're choosing between the three and you have no airline commitment:
- 737NG/MAX if you want the highest hire-rate probability in Europe and the Middle East. Most airlines, biggest open positions.
- A320 if you want premium European carrier focus (AF, LH, BA legacy plus Air France-KLM cadet pipeline) — pay the premium, get the wider top-tier opportunity.
- E-Jet if you want the lowest cost entry and are willing to focus on regional carriers (KLM Cityhopper, BA CityFlyer, ITA regional, plus several SkyTeam/Star Alliance regional ops).
How Veejo helps
- Veejo Career Log tracks your type rating, recency, and LPC/OPC dates with alerts at 90 / 30 / 14 / 7 days.
- Veejo Tutors (launching June 2026) include type-rated line pilots on all three families who can prep you for the LST.
- Veejo Recruitment matches your type rating against open operator briefs across the network of 1,700+ verified pilots.