A320 vs B737 Pilot Jobs: Requirements, Career Paths and Opportunities

The Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 are two of the most widely operated commercial aircraft in the world, and both create significant opportunities for pilots looking to build or progress their airline careers.

For pilots considering their next move, one question often comes up: A320 or B737?

While both aircraft offer opportunities across airlines, ACMI operators and other aviation companies, the right choice depends on your licence, experience, type rating, career goals and the markets you want to work in. So, what should pilots consider when looking at A320 vs B737 pilot jobs?

A320 vs B737: What’s the Difference?

The Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737 family are both narrow-body aircraft commonly used for short- and medium-haul operations.

From a pilot career perspective, however, the two aircraft come with different cockpit philosophies and operating environments.

The A320 family includes aircraft such as the A318, A319, A320 and A321, while the 737 family includes several generations and variants, with the 737 Next Generation (NG) and 737 MAX being particularly relevant to today's airline fleets.

Both aircraft are flown by major airlines, low-cost carriers, charter operators and ACMI providers.

What Qualifications Do You Need?

The requirements for an A320 or B737 pilot job vary between operators, but typically depend on your licence, total flight time, aircraft experience, type rating and recent experience.

For European pilots, an EASA ATPL or relevant licence pathway will commonly be required for EASA-based operations.

For international pilots, requirements can differ depending on the aircraft's registration, the operator and the country in which you intend to work. This is why checking the specific vacancy requirements is important before applying.

Do You Need an A320 or B737 Type Rating?

In most cases, yes. Pilots operating these aircraft commercially require the appropriate type rating.

For example:

• A320 Type Rating: Allows pilots to operate aircraft within the applicable A320 family type-rating framework.
• B737 Type Rating: The applicable rating depends on the Boeing 737 variant and the operator's requirements.

For pilots entering the market, an important consideration is whether an airline or ACMI operator provides type-rating training or expects candidates to already be type rated.

Some positions may also offer type-rating programmes, training bonds or other forms of support. Always check the individual employment terms carefully.

A320 Pilot Jobs

A320-family pilots can find opportunities across a wide range of operators. These can include:

• Full-service airlines
• Low-cost carriers
• Charter airlines
• ACMI operators
• Wet-lease providers
• Cargo and specialist operators

The A320 family also offers pilots the opportunity to build experience across closely related aircraft within the family, depending on their qualifications and the operator's fleet.

For pilots looking to work internationally, A320 experience can therefore open doors across a broad range of markets.

B737 Pilot Jobs

The Boeing 737 is equally relevant to the international pilot market.

B737 pilots may find opportunities with:

• Major airlines
• Low-cost carriers
• Charter operators
• ACMI airlines
• Wet-lease operators
• Other commercial operators

Pilots may also find opportunities across different 737 generations, depending on their current type rating and experience. As with the A320, the exact requirements can vary significantly between operators.

A320 vs B737 Pilot Salary

There is no single salary for an A320 or B737 pilot.

Pay can vary depending on:

• Airline
• Country
• Captain or First Officer position
• Total flight experience
• Aircraft experience
• Contract type
• Base location
• Roster
• Allowances
• Per diems
• Overtime

For this reason, pilots should look at the complete package, rather than comparing headline salary figures alone.

Accommodation, commuting, travel benefits, allowances and roster patterns can all have a significant impact on the overall employment package.

Career Progression on the A320 and B737

Both aircraft can provide a strong foundation for a long-term airline career.

A typical pathway may look like:

First Officer → Senior First Officer → Captain → Training Captain / TRI / Examiner → Management or Training Roles

The exact progression depends on the airline, regulatory requirements, experience and individual career goals.

Some pilots may also move between airlines, aircraft types or operational models throughout their careers. Experience on a narrow-body aircraft can also provide a foundation for pilots who later want to move into wide-body operations.

Can You Move Between A320 and B737?

Yes, but moving from one aircraft family to another requires the appropriate training and type rating.

For experienced pilots, moving between fleets can be part of career progression or simply a way to access opportunities in a different market.

The transition should be considered carefully, particularly around training requirements, costs, recent experience and the conditions offered by the new employer.

A pilot who already has substantial airline experience may have different options from a pilot applying for their first type-rated position.

A320 vs B737 for International Pilot Jobs

For pilots interested in working abroad, the aircraft itself is only one part of the decision.

You also need to consider:

• Licence requirements: Will your licence be accepted by the operator and relevant aviation authority?
• Type rating: Does your existing rating match the aircraft being operated?
• Work rights: Can you legally work in the country where the position is based/ Is the company providing work visa sponsorship?
• Relocation: Does the employer provide assistance with accommodation, travel or relocation?
• Roster: Will the base and schedule suit your circumstances?
• Contract: Is the position permanent, fixed-term, seasonal or freelance?

These factors can be particularly important when considering international or ACMI pilot jobs.

What Should Pilots Look For in an A320 or B737 Job?

The aircraft is important, but it should not be the only consideration.

When comparing opportunities, look at the entire package:

Aircraft + Base + Roster + Salary + Contract + Training + Career Progression

A position that looks attractive on paper may be very different once base location, commuting, accommodation and roster patterns are taken into account.

For pilots considering an international move, it is also worth understanding the practical side of relocation before accepting a position.

The MHC Take

There is no universal answer to the A320 vs B737 question.

Both aircraft offer pilots opportunities across airlines, low-cost carriers, charter operators and ACMI companies, and both can form the foundation of a long-term commercial aviation career.

The important thing is finding an opportunity that matches your licence, experience, type rating and career goals.

At MHC Aviation, we work with airlines and aviation operators internationally to connect pilots with opportunities that fit their experience and professional goals.

Whether you're already type rated or looking for your next step, the right opportunity could be closer than you think.