Singapore Airlines looking to hire more overseas pilots

1 min readUpdated Jun 4, 2025Feb 6, 20171:57 AM

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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.

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What this means

SIA's move to recruit overseas pilots is a pragmatic response to its expanding fleet and the three-year training cycle, indicating an immediate need for cockpit crew. This deviates from its historical preference for Singaporean citizens or PRs, suggesting internal pressures outweigh nationalistic hiring policies for cadet positions. The strategy is likely to work in securing talent, but it pressures other regional carriers competing for the same limited pool of qualified pilots. Unlike PharmaResearch's market entry in Singapore, this is a labour market adaptation rather than a new retail presence. The key risk lies in diluting its traditional talent base and potentially impacting public perception, despite the spokesman's assurances. Watch for the nationality breakdown of new cadet intakes over the next year.

Sarah Chen · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

Why is Singapore Airlines hiring more pilots, and why is it now looking overseas for new recruits?

Singapore Airlines needs more pilots to support its growing fleet, which includes 67 new Airbus A350s. The airline is expanding its search beyond Singapore's borders to meet this demand, allowing all nationalities to apply for cadet pilot positions.

What is the typical nationality profile of Singapore Airlines' current cockpit crew?

More than 80% of Singapore Airlines' 2,000 cockpit crew are currently either Singaporean citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents. However, the airline also employs pilots of various other nationalities.

Is Singapore Airlines still prioritising Singaporean citizens for any pilot roles?

Yes, Singapore Airlines continues to seek Singaporeans or Permanent Residents for its direct entry second officer positions. A spokesman also stated the airline will continue to recruit mainly Singaporeans.

How long does the cadet pilot training programme usually take to complete?

The cadet pilot training programme at Singapore Airlines typically takes three years to complete. This is the programme for which the airline is now accepting applications from all nationalities.

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