Aviation industry in Poland shows high pilot salaries and B2B employment trends

Data regarding the aviation industry in Poland reveals significant variations in pilot salaries and employment structures. Market estimates suggest that by 2026, first officers could earn between 8,000 and 15,000 PLN net, while captains may earn between 30,000 and 50,000 PLN net. In low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air, compensation often fluctuates based on flight hours and seasonal demand.

Training costs for new pilots remain high, typically ranging from 350,000 to 550,000 PLN, plus additional fees for specific aircraft type ratings. This often necessitates long-term loans or participation in airline cadet programs.

Regarding the national carrier PLL LOT, official responses to parliamentary inquiries indicate a heavy reliance on B2B contracts rather than standard employment agreements. As of July 31, approximately 90.5% of pilots and 79.8% of cabin crew work via B2B contracts. Only 9.5% of pilots and 20.2% of cabin crew are employed on standard employment contracts. Since 2020, the National Labour Inspectorate has conducted eight inspections at LOT-related entities, focusing on labor law compliance and occupational safety, though not specifically on the legality of B2B contract usage.