← All airlines
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines vs Lufthansa
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) and Lufthansa (LH) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Lufthansa
Country
Netherlands
Germany
Airline Type
Major Airline
Major Airline
IATA Code
KL
LH
Regulatory Authority
EASA
EASA
First Officer Salary
€60,000 - €105,000
€70,000 - €120,000
Captain Salary
€130,000 - €210,000
€150,000 - €250,000
Fleet
Boeing 737, 777, 787, Airbus A330
Airbus A319/320/321/330/340/350/380, Boeing 747/777/787
Requirements Comparison
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- EASA ATPL
- Class 1 medical
- English proficiency
- Dutch language helpful
Lufthansa
- EASA ATPL
- EASA Class 1 medical
- Type rating on Lufthansa fleet aircraft
- German language helpful
- Lufthansa training program or equivalent
Pros & Cons
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
Cons
- –Local language proficiency preferred
Lufthansa
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
Cons
- –Local language proficiency preferred
- –Type rating required before application
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 →Lufthansa
Germany's flag carrier and Europe's largest airline group. Lufthansa runs its own pilot training academy (European Flight Academy).
Full Lufthansa career guide →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines or Lufthansa based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
Salary Calculator