Singapore Airlines looking to hire more overseas pilots

Singapore Airlines (SIA) is reportedly expanding its search for cadet pilots beyond Singapore’s borders.

This is part of an aggressive recruitment drive to hire more pilots to meet the needs of a growing fleet. The carrier had ordered 67 Airbus 350s, six of which arrived last year.

Job advertisements recently posted on online pilot forums stated that all nationalities are welcome to apply.

Previously, the airline tended to hire Singaporean Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) for its cadet pilot training programme, industry observers told.

The cadet pilot training programme typically takes three years to complete.

As a comparison, the carrier continues to seek Singaporeans or PRs for the direct entry second officer position, as posted on its website.

More than 80% of its 2,000 cockpit crew are either Singaporeans or PRs.

But SIA said it will continue to recruit mainly Singaporeans, according to spokesman Nicholas Ionides.

“As an international airline, we do have employees of various nationalities, including pilots who must meet our stringent requirements. This policy has not changed.”

Last year, SIA became the last Singapore airline to hire women pilots through its cadet pilot intake.