Type Rating A320 vs B737: Career Impact Analysis & India Job Prospects 2025
TL;DR: A320 type ratings give access to India’s biggest hiring market (1,200+ new jet jobs in 2025), but B737 is gaining traction as the “growth stock” for domestic and international career movers. This expert guide breaks down costs (₹10 - 15L), job prospects, interview prep, and key salary data so you can pick the optimal path to airline hire.
1. Why Type Rating? Job Market Reality in 2025
A320 and B737 account for over 90% of all narrow-body passenger aircraft in India. Airlines demand a "ready for line" type-rated pilot for direct entry. Self-funded type ratings cut hiring lag by 6–12 months.
- IndiGo: 350+ A320s, world's largest A320neo operator
- Air India/Vistara: Adding 90 A320neo by end 2025
- SpiceJet, Akasa, Air India Express: 130+ B737 NG/MAX fleet
- GoFirst (if revived)/Akasa: All-new B737 MAX, expanding fast
2. Cost & Duration: A320 vs B737 Type Rating
| Type | Cost (2025) | Duration | Popular Providers |
|---|---|---|---|
| A320 | ₹10 - 15 lakh | 45 - 60 days | CAE, APFT, FSTC, CAE Madrid |
| B737 NG/MAX | ₹10 - 15 lakh | 45 - 60 days | CTC, Alpha Aviation, FSTC, CAE Kuala Lumpur |
- A320 biggest market; B737 catching up globally due to new MAX deliveries and cargo ops.
- Training includes: Ground school (systems, SOPs, legislation), CPT, 32–40 h Level D sim, LOFT, skill test, UPRT/CRM.
- Some programs offer Indian airline SOP alignment—key for HR shortlisting.
3. Airline Hiring: Who Needs What?
| Airline | Fleet Size (2025) | Type Rated Required? | Bond/Pay Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | 350+ A320/A321/A321XLR | Yes (A320) | 2–5 yr bond, ₹1.7–3L/mo F/O, ₹4–13L/mo Capt |
| Air India | 90 A320, new A350s | Yes (A320) | 3 yr bond, ₹2–4.5L/mo F/O, ₹8–19L/mo Capt |
| SpiceJet | 68 B737 | Yes (B737) | 2–4 yr bond, ₹1.5–3L/mo F/O, ₹4–9L/mo Capt |
| Akasa Air | 25 B737 MAX | Yes (B737) | 2 yr bond, ₹1.7–3.6L/mo F/O, ₹4.2–12L/mo Capt |
Sourced from current fleet expansion plans and recent airline HR circulars.
4. Salary, Bond, and Growth Prospects
| Position | A320 (₹/month) | B737 (₹/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Type Rated F/O | 1.4–2.1L | 1.2–1.7L |
| After 2 Years (with hours) | 2.4–3.5L | 2.0–2.9L |
| Upgraded Captain | 6–14L | 5–12L |
| International Jump | 7.5–16L | 7–18L |
- Bonds: 2–5 years & “bond recovery” if you resign before term (may involve penalty ₹12–30 lakh).
- 5-year projected jump: Captain on A320/B737 with 2,500 h earns ₹1.2–2 crore/yr incl. allowances.
5. How to Choose: Your Pilot Career Aligner
- Check Airline Vacancies: Want IndiGo/Air India? Go A320. Target Akasa/SpiceJet/GoFirst Revival? Go B737.
- Consider International Goals: B737 rating offers fast-track Middle East/Europe job switch.
- Factor in Home Base: Delhi/Mumbai/Hyderabad pilots often favour A320; Bangalore/West India, B737 demand rising.
- Review Simulator Access: Cheaper, faster slots often available for B737 at private academies.
- Ask Mentors/Hiring Managers: What’s trending? Check recent placements and alumni updates.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Is A320 type rating mandatory for IndiGo?
Yes, IndiGo requires a valid A320 type rating and recent simulator currency for direct F/O selection in 2025.
Can I switch from B737 to A320 later?
Yes, but you must undergo conversion training (shorter and cheaper than first rating), typically after 1–2 yrs with initial airline/cargo experience.
Which is “easier” to pass?
Most pilots find B737 initial type rating slightly less intensive than A320, but A320 has more standardized SOPs and is dominant in Indian domestic airline hiring.
Will airlines reimburse my type rating?
Some airlines (esp. IndiGo, Air India, Akasa) offer partial reimbursement or fast-track to employment for high-performing type-rated pilots (check annual HR circulars for details).
What if I can’t get an airline job after rating?
Build experience as a flight instructor or in cargo/charter ops. Maintain your simulator currency and network actively; Indian hiring is cyclical and delayed job start is common.
Ready for Jet Captain Take-Off?
Choosing between A320 and B737 is the most strategic decision for young Indian pilots in 2025. Both open lucrative flight deck careers, but your ultimate path depends on your geographic flexibility, airline targets, and career goals.
Pro tip: Connect with recent graduates from Aviators Training Centre who joined IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa—real-world stories give critical insights beyond marketing brochures.