← All airlines
Air France vs KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at Air France (AF) and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Air France
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Country
France
Netherlands
Airline Type
Major Airline
Major Airline
IATA Code
AF
KL
Regulatory Authority
EASA
EASA
First Officer Salary
€60,000 - €110,000
€60,000 - €105,000
Captain Salary
€140,000 - €230,000
€130,000 - €210,000
Fleet
Airbus A318/319/320/321/330/350, Boeing 777/787
Boeing 737, 777, 787, Airbus A330
Requirements Comparison
Air France
- EASA ATPL
- Class 1 medical
- French language proficiency
- EU citizenship or work permit
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- EASA ATPL
- Class 1 medical
- English proficiency
- Dutch language helpful
Pros & Cons
Air France
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
Cons
- –Local language proficiency preferred
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
Cons
- –Local language proficiency preferred
About Each Airline
Air France
France's flag carrier operates an extensive long-haul network from Paris Charles de Gaulle with a focus on premium service.
Full Air France career guide →KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
The world's oldest airline still operating under its original name. KLM is part of the Air France-KLM group and operates from Amsterdam Schiphol.
Full KLM Royal Dutch Airlines career guide →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at Air France or KLM Royal Dutch Airlines based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
Salary Calculator