← All airlines
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines vs British Airways
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) and British Airways (BA) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
British Airways
Country
Netherlands
United Kingdom
Airline Type
Major Airline
Major Airline
IATA Code
KL
BA
Regulatory Authority
EASA
EASA
First Officer Salary
€60,000 - €105,000
£55,000 - £100,000
Captain Salary
€130,000 - €210,000
£130,000 - £200,000
Fleet
Boeing 737, 777, 787, Airbus A330
Airbus A319/320/321/350/380, Boeing 777/787
Requirements Comparison
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- EASA ATPL
- Class 1 medical
- English proficiency
- Dutch language helpful
British Airways
- EASA/UK ATPL
- Class 1 medical
- UK right to work
- Strong CRM and leadership skills
- Minimum 500 hours multi-crew
Pros & Cons
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
Cons
- –Local language proficiency preferred
British Airways
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
About Each Airline
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 →British Airways
The UK's flag carrier operates from London Heathrow, one of the world's busiest airports, with routes spanning the globe.
Full British Airways career guide →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines or British Airways based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
Salary Calculator