Malaysia Airlines (MH) is the flag carrier of Malaysia, headquartered in and operating out of its hub at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The Oneworld member was founded over 50 years ago and is owned by the National Treasury of Malaysia.
With a fleet of over 75 planes, the airline is one of Asia’s biggest carriers with a network of over 60 destinations locally and overseas.
At the peak of its schedule, Malaysia Airlines operates over 300 daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and also from its secondary base in Kota Kinabalu.
The carrier employs over 1,200 pilots to aid its connectivity around the world and offers a cadet program as well to aspiring aviators. Here is a look at how much salary Malaysia Airlines pays to pilots, the other benefits they enjoy, and how one can join them.
Malaysia Airlines Pilot Salary
Photo: Malaysia AirlinesMalaysia Airlines Second Officer salary
Malaysia Airlines second officers are the junior-most tier of pilots employed by the airline. They are generally individuals with not much flying experience on commercial airliners or those who have freshly graduated from training academies. They work with captains to log vital hours before being promoted to becoming first officers with adequate flying time under their belt.
They are paid between RM 51,000 and RM 68,000 per year (approx. US$10,700 to US$14,300) depending on factors like experience and type of aircraft flown.
They do not receive any additional payments for their flying hours, but as with first officers and captains, they are eligible for meals and other layover allowances when spending time away from their base.
Photo: yoskadejong | InstagramMalaysia Airlines First Officer Salary
First officers working for Malaysia Airlines are generally second officers from within the carrier who are promoted to senior roles, or those who join from domestic competitors.
They assist the captain in flying the aircraft safely to its destination, handling communication with air traffic control, and some with enough experience also work as pilots flying before becoming captains.
Malaysia Airlines pays its first officers an annual salary ranging from RM 72,000 to RM 204,000 (approx. US$15,100 to US$42,900), with the exact amount varying with experience and the aircraft type individuals operate on.
Co-pilots also receive an hourly rate of RM 29 (US$7) for narrow-body planes and RM 43 (US$10) for wide-body aircraft over their basic salaries.
Photo: Malaysia AirlinesMalaysia Airlines Captain Salary
Malaysia Airlines captains are the airline’s senior crop of captains, some of whom are also responsible for mentoring first officers and second officers for promotions.
They lead the cockpit and flight crew while also being responsible for safely completing a flight, making crucial decisions regarding navigation and, in some cases, emergency situations.
Captains at Malaysian are paid a salary ranging between RM 180,000 and RM 420,000 per year (approx. US$38,000 to US$88,000).
The amount, as with second officers and first officers, varies with experience and type of aircraft operated, whereas an additional flying hours payment of RM 48 (US$11) and RM 72 (US$17) is paid for narrow and wide-body captains, respectively.
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Photo: Malaysia AirlinesBenefits Malaysia Airlines Pilots Enjoy
Malaysia Airlines pilots are entitled to the following benefits over and above their basic salaries.
- Generous time off – Malaysia Airlines offers pilots a generous amount of annual leave in a year in addition to adequate compensation when working on public holidays. There is also an industry-leading amount of parental leave provided by the carrier.
- Insurance – All Malaysia Airlines pilots are offered a comprehensive medical insurance policy that is valid globally, whereas there are also life and loss of license insurances in their name, therefore entitling families to payments in case of death or inability to work.
- Staff travel policy – Malaysia Airlines pilots as well as their nominated family members have the opportunity to fly free of cost on the carrier’s network on a stand-by basis, subject to availability, or avail significant discounts when paying for flight tickets.
- Facilities – Malaysia Airlines pilots can make use of facilities like the gym, cafeteria, child care facility, airport shuttles, and other recreational activities that are offered in and around the Kuala Lumpur headquarters as part of the work-life balance initiative.
- Professional support – Malaysia Airlines pilots have the option to pursue programs and courses that help them upscale and stay in touch with the latest aviation trends and technologies, while also having openings within the airline in office roles after retirement.
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Photo: Malaysia AirlinesWhat Aircraft do MH Pilots fly?
Malaysia Airlines owns a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. Here is a look at what pilots currently get to fly.
- Airbus A330-200 – 4
- Airbus A330-300 – 15
- Airbus A330-900 – 3
- Airbus A350-900 – 7
- Boeing 737-800 – 40
- Boeing 737 MAX 8 – 11
In addition to its existing fleet, Malaysia also has the following planes on order:
- Airbus A330-900 – 17
- Airbus A350-900 – 3
- Boeing 737 MAX 8 – 32
- Boeing 737 MAX 10 – 12
Photo: Malaysia AirlinesHow to become a pilot with Malaysia Airlines?
Malaysia Airlines has the following basic requirements for its applicants. The intricate details, such as the required flying hours and type ratings, are published depending on the seniority the carrier needs and also the aircraft variant it is looking to hire first officers or captains.
- Education – A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is typically required.
- Licensing – Must hold a valid Malaysian Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) or equivalent.
- Experience – Varies based on the position; however, candidates with prior flying experience may have an advantage.
- Medical Fitness – Must pass a Class 1 medical examination.
- Skills – Strong communication skills, leadership abilities, and proficiency in English.
- Documents – A Malaysian citizenship or passport is valid.
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Photo: Clément AlloingMalaysia Airlines’ Hiring Process for Pilots
Malaysia Airlines follows the steps below in its hiring process for pilots.
- APPLICATION – Interested candidates can apply for pilot openings on the Malaysia Airlines careers portal by submitting their resumes and any other relevant documents to support their expressions of interest.
- ASSESSMENT – An online assessment is conducted for the shortlisted candidates by the airline, therefore helping the recruitment team in understanding their basic personality traits and suitability in the airline’s environment.
- INTERVIEW – Those who pass the assessment undergo an interview with the hiring team, while some pilots may also be required to undergo simulator tests for their technical proficiencies to be confirmed by the airline.
- OFFER – An offer is made to those who pass the interview round, which is subject to the successful verification of documentation and completion of background checks and medical tests.
Photo: Clément AlloingMalaysia Airlines Pilot FAQs
Malaysia Airlines pays its pilots an annual salary between RM 51,000 and RM 420,000, depending on experience, seniority, and aircraft type flown, whereas other per diem payments and hourly flying allowances are also paid.
Malaysia Airlines pilots are based in Kuala Lumpur, close to the airline’s primary hub at KL International Airport, while a select crop is also located and can be deadheaded at its secondary base in Kota Kinabalu.
No, Malaysia Airlines is not hiring pilots at the moment, but with an ever-expanding fleet, their openings can be found on the carrier’s careers portal whenever they arise.
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