By Renzo, CPL · March 4, 2026
Type Rating Guide: Which Aircraft Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing Your Type Rating Wisely
Your first type rating is one of the most consequential career decisions you will make as a pilot. It determines which airlines can hire you immediately, how marketable you are globally, and often your earning trajectory for years to come.
The Market Leaders
Most In-Demand Type Ratings (2026)
| Aircraft | Global Fleet | Airlines Operating | Marketability | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A320/A320neo | 10,000+ | 300+ | Highest | $25,000-40,000 |
| B737/737 MAX | 8,000+ | 250+ | Highest | $25,000-40,000 |
| A330 | 1,500+ | 120+ | High | $30,000-50,000 |
| B777 | 1,600+ | 60+ | High | $35,000-55,000 |
| B787 | 1,100+ | 70+ | High | $30,000-50,000 |
| A350 | 600+ | 40+ | Growing | $35,000-55,000 |
| E-Jet (170/190) | 1,400+ | 80+ | Moderate | $20,000-35,000 |
| ATR 42/72 | 1,500+ | 100+ | Regional | $15,000-25,000 |
Airbus A320 vs Boeing 737
This is the fundamental choice for narrowbody pilots:
| Factor | A320/neo | B737/MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Global fleet size | Slightly larger | Very large |
| European market | Dominant | Strong |
| US market | Growing (JetBlue, Frontier, Spirit) | Dominant (Southwest, United, American) |
| Asian market | Strong | Strong |
| Middle East | Dominant (IndiGo, AirAsia, etc.) | Present |
| Side-stick vs yoke | Side-stick (different feel) | Traditional yoke |
| Cross-crew qualification | A330, A340, A350 (with differences training) | B737 variants only |
| Training availability | Widely available | Widely available |
Recommendation: If you plan to fly primarily in Europe, Asia, or the Middle East, choose A320. If you plan to fly primarily in the US, choose B737. Both are excellent choices globally.
Widebody Type Ratings
When to Get a Widebody Rating
A widebody type rating makes sense if:
- You have significant narrowbody experience (2,000+ hours)
- You are targeting a specific widebody position
- Your employer is funding the rating
- You want to transition to long-haul international flying
Which Widebody to Choose
| Aircraft | Best For | Career Potential |
|---|---|---|
| A330 | European and Asian carriers, cargo | Excellent -- large fleet, CCQ to A350 |
| B777 | US majors, Gulf carriers, cargo | Excellent -- high-paying positions |
| B787 | Modern fleets globally | Very good -- growing fleet |
| A350 | Next-generation long-haul | Good -- growing but smaller fleet |
| B747 | Cargo only (passenger retired) | Niche -- declining but well-paid |
Cost Considerations
Self-Funded Type Rating
If paying yourself, factor in:
- Course fee -- $25,000-55,000 depending on aircraft
- Living expenses during training -- 4-8 weeks, budget $3,000-6,000
- Travel -- Training centers may be in different countries
- Exam fees -- Type rating skill test, approximately $500-1,500
- Total investment -- $30,000-65,000
Employer-Funded Type Rating
Many airlines fund type ratings for selected candidates:
- Bond period -- Typically 2-5 years of required service
- Pro-rata repayment -- If you leave early, you repay a proportion
- Tax implications -- In some jurisdictions, employer-funded training is a taxable benefit
The Bottom Line
Choose the type rating that aligns with your career goals and geographic preferences. For maximum global marketability, A320 or B737 are the safest bets. Do not pay for a widebody type rating unless you have a specific job offer or clear pathway to use it.
*Estimate your career earnings with different type ratings using our [salary calculator](/tools/salary), or calculate total training costs with our [cost calculator](/tools/cost).*
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