IndiGo Airlines is India’s largest airline, flying to over 120 destinations. Known for being on time, the airline has over 395 aircraft and employs more than 5,000 pilots, including cadets from its popular training program.
Pilot Roles
IndiGo only hires first officers and captains.
First Officer Salary
First officers assist the captain and handle communication. They earn between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹2.5 lakh per month, or ₹18 lakh to ₹30 lakh per year, depending on experience.
Captain Salary
Captains fly the plane, ensure safety, and make important decisions. Senior captains also manage fleet operations and train first officers. They earn ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per month, or ₹60 lakh to ₹1.2 crore per year.
Benefits for Pilots
- Bonuses: Based on performance and profit sharing.
- Free Travel: Unlimited travel for pilots and families in India and abroad.
- Family Pathways: Relatives of pilots can join IndiGo’s cadet program.
- Training: Courses to improve flying skills and career development.
- CSR: Opportunities to participate in charity work.
- Daycare: Available for cabin crew at all hubs.
- Health and Wellbeing: Insurance, counseling, and support for work-life balance.
Aircraft Fleet
IndiGo operates a mix of Airbus and Boeing aircraft:
- Airbus A320-200: 45
- Airbus A320neo: 200
- Airbus A321: 131
- ATR 72-600: 45
- Boeing 737: 12
- Boeing 777: 2
Future orders include Airbus A320neo, A321neo, A321XLR, A350-900, and ATR 72-600. IndiGo CarGo flies Airbus A321-200/P2F planes.
How to Become a Pilot
First Officers:
- Minimum 100 hours on ATR 42/72 (none for A320)
- Maximum age 55 (45 for A320)
- DGCA CPL, FRTO, RTR, Class 1 Medical
- Accident-free record
Captains:
- 3,000 total flying hours including 1,000 on multi-engine planes or line released as PIC on A320
- Maximum age 63 (62 for A320)
- DGCA CPL, FRTO, RTR, Class 1 Medical
- 2,500 minimum total flight hours
- 500 hours as PIC on turboprop/jet aircraft or 3,000 as line released PIC on A320
IndiGo provides good pay, strong benefits, and clear career paths, making it a popular choice for pilots in India.
