Aer Lingus Pilot Interview Prep: Process, Sim, Questions (2026 Guide)

Aer Lingus is Ireland's flag carrier and a member of the IAG group alongside British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, and LEVEL. With a fleet that combines short-haul A320-family operations and long-haul A321XLR / A330 / A330neo, Aer Lingus is one of the most varied operators a European pilot can join. This guide covers the recruitment process, the sim assessment, technical content, and the airline-specific things that distinguish Aer Lingus from its IAG sister carriers.

About Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus operates a mixed Airbus fleet: A320ceo, A320neo, A321ceo (short-haul), A321XLR (medium/long-haul transatlantic), A330ceo, A330neo (long-haul). The A321XLR is operationally significant — Aer Lingus was the EU launch operator and uses it for thinner transatlantic routes (Dublin-Hartford, Dublin-Cleveland, Dublin-Indianapolis, etc.).

Bases: Dublin (DUB) is the main hub by a large margin. Cork (ORK), Shannon (SNN), and Belfast (BHD) are smaller bases. Some pilots operate from London Heathrow on UK-based contracts.

The IAG affiliation is a real career asset — Aer Lingus pilots can express interest in moving to other IAG carriers (BA, Iberia, Vueling) over their career, though formal cross-airline transfers are competitive. The IAG group also offers some institutional benefits Aer Lingus alone wouldn't.

Recruitment stages

Sim assessment

The Aer Lingus sim assessment is at the Aer Lingus training centre in Dublin. Expect a generic A320-style sim (fixed-base or visual). The profile typically includes manual takeoff, hand flying at altitude, ILS approach raw data, and an unusual situation — engine failure on takeoff, go-around, or instrument failure.

The assessors are line pilots — they want to see smooth handling, good scan, and CRM. Briefing out loud and using standard callouts is essential.

HR interview

STAR competency interview. Aer Lingus values cultural fit heavily — they're a smaller, tighter operation than easyJet or Wizz, and the airline cultivates a "Aer Lingus family" identity. Demonstrate genuine interest in the airline (history, route network, A321XLR ambitions) and authentic motivation rather than rehearsed answers.

Common topics:

• Why Aer Lingus specifically (vs other IAG / Irish carriers)
• How you handle long duty days on transatlantic routes
• CRM examples — single specific incidents preferred
• Decision-making in non-routine scenarios
• Thoughts on the A321XLR transatlantic operation

Technical questions

For type-rated applicants, expect 5-10 technical questions. Topics:

1. A320 systems (hydraulics, FBW, FADEC) — see our system guides
2. FLEX takeoff and performance — FLEX guide
3. ETOPS — Aer Lingus flies extensive ETOPS (transatlantic on A321XLR)
4. Cold weather operations — winter ops at SNN/ORK/DUB
5. Pressurisation and oxygen
6. Critical fuel scenarios — transatlantic fuel planning

Common pitfalls

1. Treating Aer Lingus as "the IAG entry route" — interviewers spot this
2. Lack of geographic commitment to Ireland — most positions are DUB-based; flexibility is required but commitment helps
3. Generic A320 knowledge — knowing systems at a deep level distinguishes you
4. Weak STAR examples — generic stories don't pass