Just wondering, can non-Korean citizens work for Korean Air as pilots? Recently at Auckland Airport whilst waiting for a boarding flight I happened to notice 3 Korean Air Crew Members walk past and one of them appeared to be of European descent.
So I'm interested in knowing, as a New Zealand citizen, what the process would be to join the big blue airline one day?
Thanks again,
Mitch
Hi Mitch,
Due to shortage of experienced captains worldwide, only those qualified would be able to work in Korea. They would not recruit new inexperienced pilots from the market except captains or senior First Officers with thousands of flying hours.
In fact, this does not only apply in Korea but also in China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and many airlines in the Middle East.
For instance, below are the requirements by Korean Air to join their Boeing 777 fleet in the position of Captains and First Officers. If you have these qualifications, you need not be a Korean citizen.
•500+ PIC (Pilot in charge) hours on B777
•3000+ total PIC airline transport hours
•Flown on B777 as PIC within the last 24 months
•Under 58 years of age at date of joining
First Officers
•1000+ hours on B757/ B767
•2000+ total airline transport hours
•Flown on B757/B767 within the last 1 year plus any commercial jet flight experience within 3 months
•Under 45 years of age at date of joining
•First Officers must hold a College or University Degree/Diploma (minimum 2 year course)
•If successful at screening you will need to arrange and pay for your own B777 type rating
PS. To check for any latest updates or postings, you can follow my new Twitter at @CaptKHLim
