The Brazilian aviation labor market is experiencing high-intensity movement with the opening of LATAM Airlines Brazil's selection process for captains and first officers destined to operate its new Embraer E195-E2 fleet. The airline seeks to secure type-rated crews before the aircraft's arrival, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, through a direct compensation strategy.

According to our media partner Aeroin, applications have been open since Monday, December 15, and will run through January 4, 2026. The distinguishing feature of this recruitment drive is the financial incentive: the airline will pay a one-time hiring bonus of R$ 160.000 (approximately USD 27.000 at current exchange rates) for selected captains and R$ 80.000 for first officers.

Talent Acquisition Strategy

The move aims to attract professionals who already hold a type rating for the E-Jet E2 family. In Brazil's current landscape, this profile is found almost exclusively within the ranks of Azul Linhas Aéreas and Placar Linhas Aéreas. By offering a higher salary floor and a substantial signing bonus, LATAM seeks to integrate personnel ready to operate, optimizing the transition to the new aircraft model.

Preguntas frecuentes
  • What signing bonuses is LATAM Brazil offering for Embraer E195‑E2 pilots?

    LATAM Brazil is offering a one‑time signing bonus of R$160,000 for captains and R$80,000 for first officers.

  • When does the recruitment period run and when does onboarding start?

    Applications are open from December 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Onboarding of selected professionals begins in February 2026, with aircraft arriving in Q4 2026.

  • What are the minimum experience and certification requirements for captains?

    Captains must have 5,000 total flight hours in regular airlines (RBAC 121), including 3,000 hours in jet aircraft and 500 hours as pilot in command on aircraft similar to or larger than the E2, plus a valid Embraer E1/E2 type rating with experience in the last three years.

  • What qualifications are required for first officers?

    First officers must have at least 500 total flight hours, hold a Commercial Pilot license with instrument and multi‑engine ratings, and possess a valid Embraer E1/E2 type rating with recent experience.

  • How can interested pilots apply?

    Qualified candidates can apply through LATAM Airlines Brazil’s careers portal and must provide required documentation, including a first‑class CMA and a Brazilian passport.

Jerome Cadier, CEO of LATAM Brazil, noted that the opening of these vacancies reinforces the company's position as a market reference. The airline is the primary choice for those seeking to develop a solid career based on respect and transparency, the executive indicated, adding that the investment in the E2 expands opportunities to join a leading company growing sustainably.

Technical Requirements and Expansion

The onboarding of selected professionals will begin in February 2026. For the position of E195-E2 Captain, a minimum experience of 5.000 flight hours in regular airlines (under RBAC 121 regulations) is required, of which 3.000 must be in jet aircraft and 500 as pilot in command on aircraft similar to or larger than the E2.

Meanwhile, aspiring First Officers must have 500 total hours, Commercial Pilot licenses, and instrument and multi-engine ratings. A mandatory requirement for both positions is holding a valid Embraer E1/E2 type rating with experience in the last three years.

This move aligns with the growth of LATAM's workforce in Brazil, which has increased by 20% since 2023. The company projects operations in 63 Brazilian airports by 2026, consolidating its domestic network and international connectivity from its main hub and secondary bases.

Interested candidates meeting the technical profile and required documentation (including a first-class CMA and Brazilian passport) can apply through the company's career portal.