Pilotium Editorial Team
May 9, 2026
The type rating decision is one of the most consequential financial choices a pilot makes. A self-funded type rating costs between €20,000 and €35,000 depending on aircraft type, training organisation, and location. Choosing the wrong one — for the wrong reasons — can add months or years to the path to a first airline job.
This guide covers how to approach the decision systematically: the market realities of each type, the cost differences, which airlines sponsor, and the situations in which each makes sense.
The Market Reality in 2026
The Airbus A320 family and the Boeing 737 family collectively account for the majority of narrowbody commercial aviation worldwide. Between them, they cover the vast majority of single-aisle airline jobs globally.
A320 family dominance in Europe In the EASA regulatory environment — which covers EU member states, Turkey, the UK (post-Brexit on EASA basis), and much of the broader European region — the A320 family is dominant. The largest operators by fleet size in this region include Ryanair (737 MAX), easyJet (A320), Wizz Air (A320/A321), Pegasus Airlines (A320/A321/737), Turkish Airlines (both), SunExpress (737), and Vueling (A320). If your target market is southern or eastern Europe, the A320 covers a larger proportion of available jobs.
737 in specific markets The 737 remains the type of choice for Ryanair (the largest low-cost carrier in Europe by passengers) and SunExpress, among others. In the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, both types are well represented. In North America, the 737 has historically been more prevalent.
The practical question is not which aircraft is better — it is which aircraft gives you the highest probability of employment at your target airline, in your target geography, within your target timeline.
Cost Comparison
Type rating costs vary by provider and location. The ranges below reflect 2026 market rates at approved EASA Type Rating Training Organisations (TRTOs).
Type | Self-Funded Cost Range | Duration |
A320 family | €22,000 – €35,000 | 6–8 weeks |
B737 NG / MAX | €20,000 – €30,000 | 6–8 weeks |
The A320 type rating has historically carried a slight cost premium, reflecting the higher simulator utilisation costs for Airbus training. The gap has narrowed in recent years as more A320 TRTOs have entered the market.
Both types include the same core elements: ground school, fixed-base simulator (FBS) sessions, full flight simulator (FFS) sessions, and the type rating skill test. The skill test is conducted by an EASA Type Rating Examiner (TRE).
Additional costs to factor in:
Accommodation and living costs during training (typically 6–8 weeks away from home)
Travel to the training location
Study materials and exam preparation
Line training after type rating issue (separate from the type rating itself — typically 60–100 sectors, paid at a lower training rate by the airline)
Which Airlines Sponsor Type Ratings?
Sponsored type ratings — where the airline funds the training in exchange for a minimum service commitment — are the most commercially attractive pathway for pilots who qualify. The landscape in 2026:
Fully sponsored (bond-back schemes) Some airlines fund the type rating upfront and recover the cost through a salary bond over 2–4 years. If the pilot leaves before the bond period ends, they repay a prorated portion of the cost. Airlines operating this model include some of the larger flag carriers and regional operators. Availability fluctuates with hiring cycles.
Cadet programmes Integrated airline cadet programmes combine ab initio training with a guaranteed type rating and direct entry to the airline upon graduation. These are highly competitive and typically require assessment centre selection before training begins. Programmes through Lufthansa Aviation Training, CAE, and several national flag carriers operate on this model.
Pay-to-fly and self-sponsored line training At the other end of the spectrum, some operators require pilots to self-fund not only the type rating but also a contribution toward line training costs. This model is controversial within the industry and has been declining as the pilot shortage has shifted negotiating power toward candidates.
The realistic expectation for most new entrants For pilots entering the market in 2026, the most common pathway is still self-funded type rating followed by application to airlines offering direct entry positions. The sponsored pathway, where available, should always be prioritised — the cost saving over a 3–4 year bond period is material.
How to Make the Decision
Step 1: Define your target airlines List the five airlines you most want to fly for within the next 18 months. Check their current fleet. If four of the five operate the A320, the answer is clear.
Step 2: Check current hiring status A type rating is only valuable if the airlines operating that type are hiring. Research current recruitment pages, aviation forums, and industry contacts. A type rating for an aircraft type with a 12-month hiring freeze is not the right choice regardless of long-term prospects.
Step 3: Consider your geography Where are you based, and where are you willing to relocate? European-based pilots targeting European carriers should weigh the A320's market share in that region carefully.
Step 4: Assess sponsorship opportunities Before committing to a self-funded type rating, research whether any airlines are currently running sponsored cadet or direct entry programmes that match your hours and experience. The application process adds time but the financial difference is significant.
Step 5: Speak to pilots already flying the type The most valuable information comes from pilots currently flying each type at your target airlines. What is the line training experience like? What is the roster? What is the career progression? These questions matter as much as the type rating itself.
The Type Rating Is Not the End Goal
A common mistake among pilots preparing for their first type rating is treating the rating itself as the destination. It is not — it is the entry ticket. The airlines that will employ you care about your assessment centre performance, your simulator handling, your CRM, and your interview preparation as much as the endorsement in your licence.
Pilotium's career programs cover both the type rating decision and the assessment preparation that follows. The AI Coach generates a personalised career plan based on your current hours, target airline, and timeline.
