English: During the course of the assessment, we require proof of level B2 (the following diplomas are accepted: First Certificate A or B, AKAD Language and Culture Test SWISS Level - passed within the last 2 years)

German: Certificate level B2 (the following diplomas are accepted: Goethe Institute diploma, “Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung”, or Advanced Language Examination (required grade: "satisfactory"), AKAD Language and Culture Test SWISS Level - passed within the last 2 years) as per the European Language Portfolio. Please see information sheet (To be submitted at the time of application)

Applicants with German or French native or everyday language are excepted from this rule. For French-speaking applicants, the following applies: reasonable knowledge of German is required at the end of the selection process i.e. at the time of interview. If the level demonstrated does not meet our requirements, the relevant certificate – B2 or AKAD level - must be verified before entry to pilot training. (Please see information sheet)

Swiss International Air Lines: Prospective candidates are required to present a secondary school certificate ('A' Level equivalent) or evidence that they have passed a university entrance examination or an entrance examination from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH).  A completed apprenticeship with professional certification (minimum 3 years) or a successful entrance examination for a corresponding university of applied sciences are also valid.
Swiss European Air Lines: Swiss European Air Lines AG:
Last year of secondary school with completed professional apprenticeship (min. 3 years)

Yes. Every additional language will make it easier for you to communicate with our international clientele.

Various providers for preparatory courses or training software can be found on the Internet. Please remember that these sources may contain half-truths or falsities in addition to the pertinent information. It is essential to deal with the individual modules of the selection process specifically by means of the materials supplied by SWISS. These will be provided to you along with your invitation to the individual stages. We advise against attending preparatory seminars.

Knowledge of French is not required at the time of the advert and will therefore not be tested. Later in your career, spoken French will be required to make passenger announcements from the cockpit.

20 years of age, maximum age is 33 (birthday dates shall prove decisive here)

You must have completed RS, military training school, national service or alternative national service if fit for service.

We carry out assessments continuously.  Interviews are performed at the end of the selection procedure.  The entire selection procedure takes around six to eight months.

You will be notified by e-mail within a few days.

As soon as all the formalities and tests, including the medical, have been completed.

In order to process an application, we require the application form, a CV, 1 passport photo, the aptitude test fee, the form entitled “Reimbursement of the aptitude test fee”, copies of all school certificates from age 12 upwards, copies of all references, an English diploma (if already available), a German diploma (Please see job description for exceptions), an extract from the Central Criminal Register or certificate of good conduct, copies of pilot’s licenses (if available), the form relating to visual faculties and the medical questionnaire.  Please note that the final page of the published application form lists the necessary enclosures.

We only offer new employees full-time contracts.

Swiss European Air Lines: You will be deployed on short-haul aircraft (model AVRO RJ-100) for flights within Europe.

Swiss International Air Lines: You will be deployed on aircraft in the A320 family which serve short- and medium-haul destinations. Later on, you will be retrained to serve on the A330/A340 long-haul fleet.

SWISS organises and pays for transport and hotels abroad during working periods.

No, you do not have to live near Zurich, but it does make sense when you are on short-haul routes.

Pre-financed training courses at the SAT (Swiss Aviation Training Ltd.) are organised on a quarterly basis for those seeking subsequent employment as a commercial aviation pilot with SWISS. Eligibility for these courses depends on  a positive assessment and subsequent selection by SWISS.

Your course attendance is recorded, and there is little room for absences.

Food intolerances and certain nutritional interolances may prevent employment, and may require a medical examination by a doctor. Strong medication is not to be taken directly before a flight.

Pilots can log in to obtain their planned schedules by the 24th of the previous month, sometimes one or two days earlier.

Have you previously undertaken the ab initio assessment at SWISS either in part or in full?
Were you informed in writing at the end of the aptitude assessment that you would be given the opportunity to request reconsideration (Wiedererwägung) after a minimum waiting period?
Would you still like to become a pilot with SWISS and meet all formal requirements for this?
If so, we look forward to receiving your application for reconsideration. Please submit a complete file once more (including medical questionnaire, sight form and statement of purpose). The registration fee does not apply in this case.