SYDNEY- Australia is geographically one of the loneliest places in the world, besides being a vast country. Though the majority of its population is along its east coast, there is still a need for good air connectivity in the massive land mass, which is not always aided by commercial airlines.
Jetstar (JQ), Qantas (QF), and Virgin Australia (VA) have a reasonably wide network; some of Australia’s most remote business and leisure destinations are exclusively accessed by private flights. Chartered flying is a major cash crop in the country’s tourism and transportation sector, with over half a million people choosing the medium of flying domestically and internationally every year.
Here is everything you need to know about the private jet pilots who live in Australia.
Photo: CanvaPrivate Jet Pilot Salary in Australia
Thousands of chartered flights fly within Australia and overseas as well every year. A large part of the objective of private flying in the country is for the bigger cities like Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney to have access to the central regions of the country, where mining and farming are common occupations, as well as business sectors worth millions of dollars.
Additionally, the country’s tourism sector also sees an inflow of millions each year, with remote islands requiring good connectivity by air. With a regular need for private pilots, air operators in Australia are obliged to pay them well. Here is a look at what these private jet pilots earn, as well as what factors are influential in their overall salaries.
Entry-level pilots
Entry-level pilots usually fly for small-time private corporations and operators, mostly interstate and to the smaller airports. They are paid between AU$70,000 and AU$100,000 per year, depending on experience as well as the type of aircraft flown.
Experienced Pilots
The experienced pilots have up to 5,000 flying hours under their belts and operate mid-sized jet airplanes as opposed to turboprops. They generally fly to further off destinations, and owing to their experience, they are paid between AU$120,000 and AU$160,000 per year.
Senior Pilots
Senior pilots are worth it for high-value individuals and major corporations. They fly long-haul to overseas destinations and more frequently than their junior counterparts, while also having contracts similar to those of airline pilots. Their salaries can go upwards of AU$200,000 yearly.
Photo: By bomberpilot – DSC_4192Uploaded by High Contrast, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26686375Factors affecting the pay of private jet pilots in Australia
Here is a look at the factors that influence the pay rates of private jet pilots in Australia.
- Aircraft type – The type of aircraft directly correlates to a pilot’s flying hours, so understandably, those on long-haulers tend to earn more than others.
- Geographic location – Pilots based out of Melbourne and Sydney are paid higher than those based elsewhere due to the higher costs of living in those cities, and the greater frequency of travel given their importance to the Australian economy.
- Employer type – Pilots working for VIPs or major corporates tend to earn a premium over those working on short-term agreements or for smaller companies in the country.
Photo: Offshore FreedomBenefits enjoyed by private jet pilots in Australia
In addition to their salaries, private jet pilots are entitled to the following benefits in Australia.
- Flexibility – In comparison to commercial pilots, private pilots have more flexible schedules, fewer flying hours, and relatively less time laying over away from their home base.
- Job variety – Private pilots get to fly to exotic as well as unique destinations depending on their employer’s requirement, thus providing more variety than a job with an airline.
- Wellness schemes – In Australia, private pilots are protected through health and life insurance policies, superannuation payments, and other such benefits.
- Per diem – Private pilots, like airline pilots, receive allowances on layovers for time away from base and meals, while transportation and accommodation at the destination are covered by the employer too.
By Mark Winterbourne – Flickr: EC-KJR, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15585773Private jet pilot in Australia FAQs
Private jet pilots in Australia earn salaries upwards of US$70,000, while those with over 5,000 flying hours can take home more than US$200,000 annually in basic payments.
Yes, due to Australia’s vast geography, private flying is vital for business and tourism-related activities, and remains one of the country’s fastest-growing industries.
Private pilots in Australia enjoy benefits like flexible work culture, job variety, wellness schemes, and per diem, some of which are starkly different compared to airline pilots.
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