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LATAM Airlines vs Avianca

A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at LATAM Airlines (LA) and Avianca (AV) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.

Head-to-Head Comparison

LATAM Airlines
Avianca
Country
Chile
Colombia
Airline Type
Major Airline
Major Airline
IATA Code
LA
AV
Regulatory Authority
DGAC
DGAC
First Officer Salary
$40,000 - $80,000
$35,000 - $70,000
Captain Salary
$100,000 - $180,000
$90,000 - $160,000
Fleet
Airbus A319/320/321, Boeing 767/777/787
Airbus A319/320/321/330, Boeing 787

Requirements Comparison

LATAM Airlines

  • DGAC ATPL or ICAO equivalent
  • 1,500+ hours total
  • Class 1 medical
  • Spanish and/or Portuguese proficiency

Avianca

  • DGAC ATPL or equivalent
  • 1,500+ hours total
  • Class 1 medical
  • Spanish proficiency
  • Colombian work authorization or cadet program

Pros & Cons

LATAM Airlines

Pros

  • +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
  • +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed

Avianca

Pros

  • +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
  • +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
  • +Cadet program available

Cons

  • Lower starting FO salary compared to US/Gulf carriers

About Each Airline

LATAM Airlines

Latin America's largest airline group, LATAM operates across South America with international routes to North America, Europe, and Oceania.

Full LATAM Airlines career guide →

Avianca

One of the oldest airlines in the world, Avianca is a key carrier in the Americas with a hub in Bogota.

Full Avianca career guide →

Calculate Your Salary

Model your earning potential at LATAM Airlines or Avianca based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.

Salary Calculator

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