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Air India vs Qatar Airways
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at Air India (AI) and Qatar Airways (QR) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Air India
Qatar Airways
Country
India
Qatar
Airline Type
Major Airline
Major International Airline
IATA Code
AI
QR
Regulatory Authority
FAA
EASA
First Officer Salary
₹1,500,000 - ₹3,000,000
$95,000 - $140,000 (tax-free)
Captain Salary
₹3,500,000 - ₩6,000,000
$180,000 - $320,000 (tax-free)
Fleet
Boeing 737/777/787, Airbus A320/321/350
Airbus A320/321/330/340/350/380, Boeing 737/777/787
Requirements Comparison
Air India
- DGCA ATPL
- 3,000+ hours preferred
- Class 1 medical
- Indian citizenship for domestic
Qatar Airways
- ICAO ATPL
- 3,000+ hours total time
- 1,500+ on multi-crew jets
- Valid Class 1 medical
- ICAO English Level 4+
Pros & Cons
Air India
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
Cons
- –High minimum hour requirements (3,000+)
Qatar Airways
Pros
- +Tax-free salary
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
- +Tax-free jurisdiction
Cons
- –High minimum hour requirements (3,000+)
- –Relocation to the Middle East required
About Each Airline
Air India
India's flag carrier, now owned by Tata Group, is undergoing massive modernization and fleet expansion.
Full Air India career guide →Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is a premium carrier based in Doha, operating one of the world's most modern fleets to destinations across six continents.
Full Qatar Airways career guide →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at Air India or Qatar Airways based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
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