Icelandair — connecting the Atlantic via its Reykjavík hub, built around transit connections.
Icelandair is a carrier that has carved out a distinctive position on transatlantic routes between North America and Europe, using Reykjavík–Keflavík as its hub. Its product is uniquely designed around free stopovers in Iceland as a connecting point. Its fleet is centered on the B737 MAX. The airline is independent (not a member of any alliance). Iceland has a high cost of living and high income tax, but its rich natural environment makes it a popular place to live.
* Figures are reference values based on public data and industry benchmarks. Verify actual compensation with each airline's official recruitment information.
| Position | Salary Range | Avg / Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captain International widebody |
¥17.2M–¥26M |
¥21.5M | Pre-tax |
| First Officer Seniority-based |
¥9.5M–¥15.5M |
¥12M | Seniority-based |
Pilot pay is denominated in USD/EUR (with ISK conversion applied) and follows a seniority-based scale. Iceland's income tax reaches up to 46.3%, and the cost of living is high, so factor this into any comparison.
Modeled from the captain / first-officer ranges above, sliced into standard career stages. Bands marked est. are derived from those ranges (not official); verified bands come from active-pilot data. Management pay is crowd-sourced from verified pilots.
| Career Stage | Years | Annual (pre-tax) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / Trainee | ≤2 yrs | ¥3M–¥4.8M | est. |
| First Officer — Junior | 3–5 yrs | ¥9.5M–¥12.2M | est. |
| First Officer — Mid | 6–10 yrs | ¥11.2M–¥13.8M | est. |
| First Officer — Senior | 11–15 yrs | ¥12.8M–¥15.5M | est. |
| Captain — New | 15–18 yrs | ¥17.2M–¥21.2M | est. |
| Captain — Mid | 19–24 yrs | ¥19.7M–¥23.5M | est. |
| Senior Captain | 25+ yrs | ¥22M–¥26M | est. |
| Management / Instructor / Examiner | — | Data wanted | crowd-sourced |
Transatlantic routes are the core of the network, connecting North America (New York, Boston, Chicago, etc.) and Europe (London, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, etc.) from the Keflavík hub.
Boeing 737 MAX 8/9 and B767-300ER. About 50 aircraft.
Conducted at an EASA-approved ATO. At LCCs, some contract arrangements require the pilot to bear part or all of the type-rating training cost. Confirm the details.
After obtaining the type rating, line training is flown with an instructor captain on board. LCCs with many short-haul routes let you build up legs relatively quickly.
Checks are conducted one to two times a year in line with EASA standards. LCCs are held to equivalent safety standards.
FO-to-Captain upgrade typically requires a minimum of 4,000–5,000 flight hours or more as a guideline. LCCs can offer more frequent upgrade opportunities.
Discounted or free travel on the airline's own flights. Often extends to group and partner carriers.
Basic health insurance (in Europe, combined with EHIC / public healthcare systems).
Duty pay or productivity bonuses, frequently linked to flight hours and number of legs.
A minimum of 20 days or more under EU directives, in compliance with each country's laws.
A duty allowance for working out of a chosen base city (London, Madrid, etc.).
One of the world's premier lifestyle environments, surrounded by the northern lights, hot springs, and vast nature. The variety of flying during the tourist season is another draw.
Hiring status: Recruiting on an ongoing basis. Open to holders of an EASA ATPL.
English is widely spoken (as across the Nordic region), making it an easy environment for Japanese pilots to live in. Getting used to the winter darkness takes some adjustment.
| Airline | Captain (range) | First Officer | Income Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Icelandair 🇮🇸 | ¥17.2M–¥26M | ¥9.5M–¥15.5M | Income tax applies |
| ANA 🇯🇵 | ¥22M–¥35M | ¥14M–¥21M | ~33% (Japan) |
| JAL 🇯🇵 | ¥22M–¥35M | ¥14M–¥21M | ~33% (Japan) |
* Salary figures are SSOT reference values (pre-tax unless marked tax-free). ANA / JAL shown as the Japan baseline — ~33% income tax applies in Japan, so after-tax take-home is lower than the headline. Tax-free carriers pay 100% take-home. Verify exact figures with each airline.
Icelandair captain pay averages about ¥21.5M per year (range ¥17.2M–¥26M), pre-tax. Figures are reference values based on public data and industry benchmarks.
Icelandair first officer pay averages about ¥12M per year (range ¥9.5M–¥15.5M), pre-tax, rising with seniority — see the Career Ladder above for the year-by-year breakdown.
Captain / First Officer (Ongoing Recruitment) — Flying transatlantic routes. Keflavík-based.. Key requirements — License: EASA ATPL (Samgöngustofa-approved); English: ICAO Level 4 or above; Min. Flight Hours: Captain 4,500 hrs or more (guideline); Type Rating: B737 MAX / B767 preferred. English is widely spoken (as across the Nordic region), making it an easy environment for Japanese pilots to live in. Getting used to the winter darkness takes some adjustment.
Icelandair captains average ¥21.5M, versus roughly ¥27M at ANA / JAL. Both figures are pre-tax; Japan applies ~33% income tax.