Become a pilot and carry SWISS out into the world.

You have a job in the best workplace in the world and see mountains, seas and cities from high up in the sky. You are also serving a high-tech environment and combine a high level of skill with teamwork. You take passengers and their loved ones to their destinations, as well as carrying time-sensitive goods.

To succeed in this multifaceted profession, you take on this responsibility gladly. You are the face and voice of SWISS for our passengers, and a reliable team player for your colleagues – on the ground as well as in the air.

You have a large area of responsibility but also a job that offers plenty of rewards. If you have a wide range of talents and enjoy challenges, the cockpit is the right place for you. These are the most important requirements:

• You bring with you an enthusiasm for aviation and technical expertise.
• You keep a cool head even in turbulent times.
• You are a team player through and through. Others can depend on you at all times.
• You communicate effortlessly with a wide range of different people.
• Good physical stamina enables you to master your demanding daily routine.
• You are fluent in German and English.
• You have the following qualifications: General high school certificate (Swiss “Gymnasiale Maturität”), vocational school-leaving certificate, Swiss Federal Certificate of Proficiency (EFZ) including admission without examination to a Technical College (FH) or Higher Technical College (HF).
• You are a Swiss, EFTA or EU-26 citizen and at least 17 years of age.
• If you are liable for compulsory service, you must have completed military training or sufficient civilian service.
• You have passed the DLR Test or have a SPHAIR Certificate confirming your aptitude for aviation.

This job offers you more than just the best views at 10,000 metres altitude. You switch between short and long haul routes many times. This allows you to fly different aircraft types and progress from First Officer to Pilot-in-Command. You also have various opportunities to enrich your career with experiences around flying: this means you can act as instructor and assist your colleague’s careers in the air, or become a specialist expert or manager on the ground.

Irregular shifts mean you often have several days off in a row so you can spend time with friends or family or pursue your hobbies and interests.

Would you like to learn more about your training, your daily routine as a pilot or the application process? Then come to one of our Info Events or email your question to our recruitment team at ​pilot.application@swiss.com.

Working with SWISS is unique. We connect people and create memories. We are driven in this by our shared passion for aviation and our pride in SWISS.

Mutual appreciation and cooperation on a level playing field are very important to us in our varied everyday work. And this in an environment where you can make a difference and just be yourself.

A culture of trust and dependability is of inestimable value on board our aircraft. This is the only way we can guarantee the safety of our passengers, offer them a pleasant atmosphere and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Professionalism and humanity are of vital importance in this.

• SWISS shares the costs of your training.
• Both you and your loved ones enjoy flight benefits.
• Your security is important. That’s why SWISS offers generous occupational benefits, comprehensive insurance and bonuses over and above the legal minimum.
• Company sports teams and healthcare discounts (e.g. for massages or gym membership) promote your wellbeing.
• Numerous benefits such as credit cards or attractive partner deals are also part of our offer.
• Exciting layovers in fascinating destinations where you can either enjoy some time to yourself or joint activities with the crew.

SWISS is not only the national airline of Switzerland; it’s also a unique employer in the country. Learn more about our culture first hand here.

Would you like to learn more about your training, your daily routine as a pilot or the application process? Then come to one of our Info Events or email your question to our recruitment team at ​pilot.application@swiss.com.

Being a pilot is a job like no other. Even the training is unique. SWISS is part of the Lufthansa Group and works closely with the European Flight Academy to give you the theoretical and practical foundation. There you are trained in the cognitive, technical and social and team skills you will need to master the challenges of your everyday professional work.

1. To qualify you must pass the DLR test. If you are a Swiss citizen between the ages of 17-23, you alternatively have the option of completing SPHAIR screening. With a SPHAIR Certificate you can also apply to SWISS directly (without the DLR Test).
2. Since you will complete your flight training at the European Flight Academy (EFA), you will apply there and select SWISS as your preferred airline.
3. If the result is favourable, you will be invited to an assessment. As soon as you have passed the one-day Lufthansa Group Assessment and the Pre-Airline-Fit and medical tests, and have a positive board decision, you will receive a Rahmen- und Darlehensvertrag from SWISS. This is your preliminary contract with SWISS. This means you do not have to pay the costs of your training on your own.
4. You will complete the approx. two-year flight training at the EFA. In Zurich you will demonstrate your theoretical aptitude in three areas. These include meteorology, aviation law, navigation and much more. You will complete the practical part in Grenchen (Switzerland) and Phoenix (USA). In the end you will learn how to fly a commercial aircraft and obtain your pilot’s licence.
5. Once you have completed your training successfully, your performance is analysed by SWISS once more and a final decision is made about your appointment at SWISS. You then receive your contract of employment. SWISS also covers the costs of the final part of your training, the so-called type rating. This is your training for a specific aircraft type. After that you will take off on a regular basis.

Pilot training is comprehensive and consists of three practical areas. It therefore doesn’t come cheap. The good news: With a framework and loan agreement from SWISS, you do not have to bear the costs of training by yourself. Funding is split:

• Your personal contribution is CHF 35,000.
• SWISS will give you a training loan of CHF 45,000 (Swiss citizens) or CHF 69,000 (EU or EFTA citizens) at a minimal interest rate. You pay back this loan later from your salary.
• The Swiss government covers the remaining costs of CHF 60,000 (Swiss citizens) or CHF 36,000 (EU or EFTA citizens).

These costs not only include your training but much more. This is a comprehensive list of all the benefits included:

• 12 months’ theoretical training in Zurich (excluding accommodation)
• Theoretical examination and licensing with the civil aviation authority
• Teaching materials and documentation, including an iPad and access to the Campus+ platform
• Practical phase in Phoenix (USA) including accommodation, flights and transfer costs
• Practical phase in Grenchen (Switzerland) including accommodation
• Radio operator’s certificate for the aeronautical radio service (AZF/BZF)
• ICAO language tests
• Uniform for the flight phases

Do you have a SPHAIR Certificate? Then you can apply to the EFA directly and do not require a DLR test.

The ZHAW School of Engineering in Winterthur and the EFA offer a joint bachelor’s degree in aviation. This will give you an extensive understanding of aviation matters. You can also obtain your pilot’s licence as part of the joint degree course at ZHAW and the EFA.

Have you completed your flight training and are already a First Officer? There are three criteria for entry as a Direct Entry Pilot at SWISS:

• Valid Airbus type rating
• Multi-engine instrument rating with PBN
• Minimum number of flying hours required for the respective aircraft type.

Do you meet all the criteria? Then you can apply for job vacancies directly in the Lufthansa Group jobs portal.

Would you like to learn more about your training, your daily routine as a pilot or the application process? Then come to one of our Info Events or email your question to our recruitment team at ​pilot.application@swiss.com.

You will find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) here. If you want to know more, the easiest way is to come to one of our Info Events. You will get answers to your questions first hand.

If you don’t find the answers here, then come to one of our Info Events or email your question to our recruitment team at ​pilot.application@swiss.com.