Thomas Cook is one of the UK's largest leisure airlines with a large route network to Europe, North Africa, Canada and the Caribbean. Operating a mixture of B757, B767, A321 and A330 aircraft from 18 UK airports Thomas Cook is a major recruiter of pilots in the UK.

As a leisure airline Thomas Cook operate very much on a seasonal basis with May to October being the busiest period. During this time pilots can expect to clock up to 90 hours a month. In the winter pilots can only expect between 50-60 hours a month.

Thomas Cook recruit a mix of pilots made up of low hour pilots as well as experienced pilots. The airline does recruit cadets through FTE Jerez.

This airline does have a policy of recruiting in command pilots internally. New pilots can expect to wait between 7 and 10 years to gain their command which is in-line with the industry average.

Pay and conditions are competitive with F/O base in the region of £40K. Top end captains can earn up to £110K. Thomas Cook does have a generous leave allowance of 42 days rising to 50 with 5 years service. Discounted travel and holidays are available to pilots.

Thomas Cook operates a fleet made up of smaller short-haul aircraft such as the A320/21 to larger longer range types including the A330, 757 and 767. Cadet pilots can expect to begin on the smaller types such as the A320/21.

Thomas Cooks major bases are at Manchester, Gatwick, Glasgow, Newcastle and Belfast. With a decent route network pilots can expect to visit various destinations. Repetitive flying is possible due to the seasonal and leisure nature of the business. For example in the winter a pilot can operate a large number of flights to the Canary Islands.

In summary Thomas Cook is an airline which offers opportunities to in-experienced as well as experienced pilots. Expect to wait for your command and to work hard in the summer with relatively quiet winters.