ASL Airlines France Overview & Company Profile
ASL Airlines France (formerly Europe Airpost) is a French airline headquartered at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), in Tremblay-en-France. It is a subsidiary of the Irish-based ASL Aviation Holdings (part of the Belgian maritime conglomerate CMB Group). The airline traces its roots back to 1986, when Intercargo Services (ICS) was created as a cargo subsidiary of Air Inter to serve the overnight freight market. After decades of ownership changes, including a period under La Poste (the French postal service), the airline was progressively acquired by ASL Aviation Group between 2007 and 2012, and adopted its current name in 2015 to align with the group's global branding.
ASL Airlines France operates a hybrid business model that combines scheduled passenger services, charter flights, ACMI wet-lease operations, and dedicated cargo services. On the passenger side, the airline runs regular routes from several French cities to Algeria (Alger, Oran, Constantine, Setif, Tlemcen, Annaba, Bejaia), Morocco (Oujda), and domestic routes including a public service obligation flight to Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. On the cargo side, ASL Airlines France operates overnight freight services for integrators such as FedEx Express, and has performed contract flying for Amazon and DHL. The airline also provides ACMI wet-lease services to other carriers, including Air France, with two aircraft reportedly dedicated full-time to Air France operations.
In 2024, the airline transported approximately 770,000 passengers and 75,000 tonnes of freight. With around 372 employees overall and approximately 150 pilots during peak season (85 on permanent contracts and roughly 55 on fixed-term contracts), ASL Airlines France is a small but versatile operator. The airline is not a member of any global alliance.
Fleet Composition & Type Ratings
ASL Airlines France operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet, which is one of its defining characteristics. The airline flies a mix of passenger-configured 737-700s and 737-800s alongside 737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter) cargo aircraft. The fleet also historically included 737-300QC (Quick Change) aircraft, famous for their ability to convert between passenger and cargo configuration in under an hour, though these older types have been progressively phased out as the newer 737-800BCFs entered service.
As of late 2025, the fleet comprises approximately 14 active aircraft. The parent group, ASL Aviation Holdings, is the world's largest operator of the 737-800BCF and has placed orders for up to 20 additional converted freighters, some of which are allocated to the French subsidiary. This fleet renewal program is gradually replacing older 737 Classic variants with more fuel-efficient Next Generation models.
| Aircraft Type | Role | Approx. In Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-700 | Passenger | ~3 | 147-seat configuration. Used on scheduled routes (Algeria, Morocco, domestic). First French airline to operate this type (2010). |
| Boeing 737-800 | Passenger | ~4 | 186-seat configuration. Main passenger workhorse for charter, ACMI, and scheduled services. |
| Boeing 737-800BCF | Freighter | ~7 | Converted freighter. 22.4-tonne payload. Used for FedEx, Amazon, and express cargo contracts. Fleet expanding via ASL Aviation Holdings orders. |
Fleet data as of late 2025. Numbers are approximate and fluctuate with seasonal ACMI contracts and group-level aircraft rotations between ASL entities.
Because the entire fleet is based on the Boeing 737 platform, ASL Airlines France pilots hold a single type rating (B737). This simplifies training and allows flexibility: a pilot can in theory operate both passenger and cargo missions, depending on operational needs and scheduling. The 737-800BCF shares the same cockpit and systems as the passenger 737-800, making transitions between passenger and cargo flying relatively seamless. For pilots, this means a focused career on one aircraft family, but limited fleet diversity compared to larger carriers.
Pilot Salary & Compensation
Pilot compensation at ASL Airlines France is governed by the company-level collective agreement (Accord d'entreprise PNT), negotiated between the airline's management and the SNPL France ALPA. The current agreement structure dates from February 2019, with subsequent amendments in 2020, 2021, and 2023. Remuneration is based on function (Commandant de Bord or Officier Pilote de Ligne), seniority within a point-based classification system, and flight hours.
ASL Airlines France salaries are generally considered to be below the market average for French airlines, a fact acknowledged in employee reviews and union commentary. The airline's hybrid business model (mixing cargo night flights with daytime passenger services) means that schedules can be demanding, though pilots do receive premiums for night flying and cargo operations. A notable feature of ASL's pay structure is the "ab-initio" pathway: pilots who obtain their 737 type rating through the company's in-house ATO start on a special entry-level salary close to the French minimum wage (SMIC) for an initial six-month fixed-term contract, before moving onto the standard pay grid.
Estimated Pay Ranges
| Position | Estimated Annual Gross | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| F/O (Entry, ab-initio CDD) | ~€20,000 - €25,000 | Initial 6-month CDD at near-SMIC level for pilots from the in-house type rating program. |
| F/O (Junior, 1-3 years) | ~€45,000 - €60,000 | On standard pay grid. Includes base salary + flight hour pay + night premiums. |
| F/O (Mid-career, 5+ years) | ~€60,000 - €80,000 | Higher seniority steps. Cargo night flying premiums can boost earnings. |
| Captain (CDB) | ~€80,000 - €120,000 | Significant step up from F/O. Varies with seniority points and flight activity. |
These are broad estimates based on collective agreement structures, employee reports, and industry benchmarks. Actual pay depends on individual seniority, contract type (CDI vs CDD), flight hours, and the mix of passenger vs cargo flying.
Precise salary grids for ASL Airlines France are not publicly available. The figures above are estimates compiled from collective agreement references, pilot community feedback, and general French aviation industry data. Employee reviews on platforms like Indeed describe salaries as "below market" compared to other French carriers. The airline's use of fixed-term contracts (CDD) alongside permanent contracts (CDI) also means that compensation can vary significantly between pilots. French social charges (~22-25%) and income tax further reduce take-home pay. Always verify current compensation directly with the airline or the SNPL ASL Airlines section during the recruitment process.
Roster Pattern & Quality of Life
The roster at ASL Airlines France reflects the airline's unusual dual operation: daytime passenger flights and overnight cargo services. This creates a scheduling dynamic quite different from a typical airline. Pilots may fly passenger charters or scheduled services during the day, then rotate onto cargo night flights for FedEx or other integrators. The company's collective agreement defines duty and rest periods in compliance with EASA Flight Time Limitations (FTL), with some company-specific derogations approved by the DGAC.
According to the SNPL and employee reviews, pilots at ASL Airlines France typically fly approximately 55 to 60 block hours per month. The roster follows a block system, with consecutive days ON followed by consecutive days OFF. Pilots can express scheduling preferences ("desiderata") before the planning period, though assignments are ultimately determined by operational needs and, to some extent, seniority. Standby reserve periods are also part of the roster, with specific rules governing call-out times (60-minute response time from notification).
📅 Sample Month: Mixed Cargo/Passenger Pilot (CDG)
Night cargo flying is a core part of the ASL Airlines France experience. Express freight operations for FedEx and other integrators typically involve departures between 21:00 and 05:00 UTC, with multi-sector rotations across European airports such as Madrid, Milan, Liege, or East Midlands. While night flying commands premium pay, it also disrupts sleep patterns and can affect quality of life over time. The collective agreement includes specific rules on rest after night duty, but pilots considering ASL should weigh this lifestyle factor carefully. Temporary base assignments ("debasement") to locations like Manchester or Aberdeen for summer charter seasons are offered on a voluntary basis only.
Benefits, Travel & Retirement
As a French-registered airline, ASL Airlines France provides the standard suite of benefits mandated by French labor law, supplemented by provisions in the company collective agreement. However, the benefits package is more modest compared to major legacy carriers like Air France or even mid-sized operators like Corsair or French Bee. The airline's smaller size and mixed business model mean that certain perks common at larger airlines (such as extensive staff travel networks) are more limited.
One benefit that applies equally to ASL Airlines France pilots as to their counterparts at Air France is the CRPN pension. This is a non-profit supplementary pension fund specifically for French-based aircrew, operational since 1951. It provides a career-average pension on top of the basic state pension, with contributions based on gross earnings. The scheme also includes survivor's pensions and orphan's benefits. Regardless of the airline's size, access to the CRPN is a significant advantage of being based in France and is one of the most generous aviation-specific retirement systems in Europe.
Career Progression & Seniority
Career progression at ASL Airlines France is governed by the company's collective agreement, which uses a point-based classification system (Liste de Classement Professionnel). Pilots are classified as either Officier Pilote de Ligne (OPL / First Officer) or Commandant de Bord (CDB / Captain), and progression within each rank is driven by accumulated seniority points. Internal vacancies for command positions, instructor roles, or cadre PNT positions are posted internally, and the company prioritizes internal promotion.
Given the airline's small size (approximately 85 permanent pilots plus seasonal CDD pilots), career progression opportunities are inherently limited. Upgrade to Captain depends on available command positions, which in turn depend on fleet growth, retirements, and departures. With a fleet of only 14 aircraft, the number of Captain slots is relatively small. Employee reviews note that permanent tenure (CDI) is not always readily available, with many pilots spending extended periods on fixed-term contracts before securing a permanent position.
| Career Stage | Typical Path | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ab-initio entry (via ATO) | 6-month CDD at entry salary | Pilot pays 50% of type rating cost. Near-SMIC salary during initial contract. |
| First Officer (OPL) | CDD then CDI progression | Standard pay grid applies. Mix of cargo and passenger operations. |
| Senior First Officer | 3-7+ years | Higher seniority points. May be offered seasonal base assignments. |
| Captain (CDB) | Variable, depends on vacancies | Command assessment required. Limited slots due to small fleet size. |
| Instructor (PNT d'Instruction) | By selection | Separate selection and instructor training. 2024 avenant updated instructor PNT conditions. |
As of 2025, the ASL Aviation Holdings group is undergoing significant restructuring. According to the SNPL ASL Airlines France section, the group has already closed several of its entities, and the future direction of the French subsidiary remains uncertain. The SNPL notes that it is difficult to anticipate fleet evolution and pilot hiring prospects in this context. Pilots considering ASL Airlines France should factor in this corporate uncertainty when evaluating long-term career potential. The airline's small size means that even minor changes in business strategy can have outsized impacts on pilot career paths.
Recruitment Process & Requirements
ASL Airlines France recruits pilots through two main pathways: experienced pilots with existing type ratings, and candidates who obtain their Boeing 737 type rating through the airline's in-house ATO (Approved Training Organisation). The ATO pathway is notable because it allows pilots without a 737 type rating to gain one, though the pilot must cover 50% of the type rating cost. Upon successful completion, the pilot is offered a six-month fixed-term contract (CDD) at an entry-level salary.
Recruitment campaigns are posted on the airline's official careers portal. Given the seasonal nature of much of the airline's passenger business, hiring peaks tend to occur ahead of the summer charter season.
General Requirements
Selection Process
Online Application
Submit CV and supporting documents (license, medical, type rating certificate if applicable) via the ASL Airlines France careers portal. Applications are reviewed by HR and the flight operations department.
Interview & Technical Assessment
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview at the airline's headquarters near Paris CDG. The assessment typically includes a technical knowledge evaluation covering Boeing 737 systems, EASA regulations, and operational procedures, as well as a competency-based interview focusing on CRM and decision-making.
Simulator Assessment (if applicable)
Depending on the candidate's experience level, a simulator session on the Boeing 737 may be conducted. For candidates entering through the ATO pathway, the type rating training itself serves as the practical evaluation.
Medical & Contract
Successful candidates receive an offer, contingent on a valid Class 1 medical. Initial contracts are typically CDD (fixed-term), with the possibility of conversion to CDI (permanent) based on operational needs and performance.
The in-house ATO route is a distinctive feature of ASL Airlines France. For pilots who cannot afford the full cost of a Boeing 737 type rating (typically €25,000-€35,000 at external ATOs), the 50/50 cost-sharing model with a guaranteed six-month contract can be attractive as a foot in the door. However, the initial salary is close to the French minimum wage, and there is no guarantee of extension beyond the CDD period. Pilots should carefully evaluate whether the reduced upfront cost outweighs the risk of a short-duration contract with modest pay.
How ASL Airlines France Compares
To put ASL Airlines France in context, it is useful to compare it with two airlines that share a similar profile: Corsair International, a French long-haul leisure carrier, and Swiftair, a Spanish cargo and charter operator with a comparable business model. Both are mid-sized European airlines with a mix of passenger and/or cargo operations.
Key Takeaways
Salary: ASL Airlines France's compensation sits below Corsair, which as a long-haul operator pays higher rates for widebody flying (A330neo). Swiftair, as a Spanish operator, offers broadly comparable pay for 737 cargo work but benefits from lower Spanish tax and social charges, which can result in better net take-home for similar gross pay.
Work-life balance: Corsair, flying long-haul leisure routes, offers a more predictable schedule with longer layovers. ASL's cargo night flying and mixed operations create more schedule disruption. Swiftair's cargo-heavy model is similar to ASL's in terms of night work demands.
Fleet & equipment: ASL operates an ageing but homogeneous 737 fleet. Corsair has invested in new A330neo aircraft. Swiftair operates 737s alongside ATR 72s, offering marginally more variety but similar vintage equipment.
Job security: This is a concern for ASL given the parent group's ongoing restructuring. Corsair, backed by Intro Aviation and with long-haul routes to French overseas territories, has a more stable outlook. Swiftair, as a well-established cargo specialist, benefits from strong demand in the European express freight market.
Radar chart scores are editorial estimates based on publicly available data, collective agreement structures, pilot community feedback, and industry benchmarks. They represent a general assessment for a pilot evaluating a mid-career move. Individual experiences will vary based on contract type, seniority, and personal priorities.
Union & Industrial Relations
Pilot representation at ASL Airlines France is handled by the SNPL France ALPA (Syndicat National des Pilotes de Ligne), which has a dedicated company section for ASL Airlines. The SNPL is the dominant pilot union in France, representing pilots across approximately 50 airlines, and is affiliated with both the European Cockpit Association (ECA) and IFALPA at the international level. Other unions present in negotiations at ASL Airlines France include FO (Force Ouvriere), UNSA, and CFE-CGC, though the SNPL is the primary signatory for pilot-specific agreements.
The relationship between management and unions has been marked by periodic negotiations, particularly around the 2019 collective agreement overhaul. The key agreements governing pilot conditions include the Accord d'entreprise PNT of February 22, 2019, the November 2020 amendment on ab-initio pilot remuneration, the comprehensive PNT accord of November 2021, and a transition agreement signed in May 2023. An avenant on instructor pilot conditions was signed as recently as November 2024.
The SNPL ASL Airlines section has publicly noted its concern about the ASL Aviation Holdings group's restructuring plans. With the group having already closed several entities, the union is closely monitoring developments that could affect the French subsidiary's operations, fleet, and pilot employment. The SNPL describes the company's current plans as "rather uncertain" and emphasizes the difficulty of anticipating fleet evolution and hiring prospects. For prospective applicants, this underscores the importance of seeking current information directly from the SNPL section and the airline's management before making career decisions.
Verdict: Who Is ASL Airlines France For?
🎯 Our Take
ASL Airlines France occupies a niche position in the French aviation landscape. It is neither a major legacy carrier nor a pure low-cost operator, but a versatile hybrid airline combining passenger services, cargo operations, and ACMI wet-lease work. For pilots, this translates into varied flying experiences (daytime passenger routes to North Africa, overnight cargo across Europe, charter and wet-lease assignments worldwide) on a single aircraft type, the Boeing 737.
The trade-offs are significant. Salaries are below the French airline average, job security is clouded by the parent group's restructuring, career progression is limited by the small fleet size, and the reliance on fixed-term contracts creates uncertainty for newer pilots. Night cargo flying, while financially compensated, takes a toll on quality of life. The benefits package, while including the valuable CRPN pension, is otherwise modest.
That said, ASL Airlines France can serve as a valuable stepping stone for pilots building hours and experience. The in-house ATO pathway provides access to a 737 type rating at reduced cost, and the diverse operational environment (passenger, cargo, ACMI) builds a versatile CV. For pilots who thrive in a smaller, more entrepreneurial airline culture and are comfortable with the uncertainties of a hybrid operator, ASL offers a distinctive flying career that few other European airlines can match.
1 What aircraft does ASL Airlines France fly?
ASL Airlines France operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet, including 737-700 and 737-800 passenger variants and 737-800BCF converted freighters. All pilots hold a single B737 type rating, which allows flexibility between passenger and cargo operations.
2 Does ASL Airlines France offer permanent contracts?
Yes, but many pilots start on fixed-term contracts (CDD), particularly those joining through the ATO pathway. Of the approximately 150 pilots employed during peak season, around 85 hold CDI (permanent) contracts, with roughly 55 on seasonal CDD contracts. Conversion to CDI depends on operational needs and individual performance.
3 Do I need to speak French to fly for ASL Airlines France?
Yes. French fluency is required for all pilot positions, as internal communications, union interactions, and regulatory compliance at this French-registered airline are conducted in French. English proficiency at ICAO Level 4 or above is also required for international operations.
4 How does the in-house type rating (ATO) pathway work?
ASL Airlines France operates its own Approved Training Organisation. Candidates without a B737 type rating can obtain one through this program, paying 50% of the cost while ASL covers the other half. Upon successful completion, the pilot receives a six-month CDD at an entry-level salary (close to SMIC). This pathway is designed to give new pilots a type rating and initial airline experience, but the initial compensation is modest.
5 What kind of flying will I do at ASL Airlines France?
The flying is remarkably varied. Depending on scheduling, you may operate overnight cargo flights for FedEx across European airports, daytime scheduled passenger services to Algeria and Morocco, summer charter flights to Mediterranean destinations, ACMI wet-lease operations on behalf of other airlines (including Air France), and the unique public service route from Paris CDG to Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. This diversity is one of the airline's strongest selling points for pilots who value operational variety.
6 Is ASL Airlines France a good stepping stone to a larger airline?
For many pilots, ASL Airlines France has served as exactly that. The B737 type rating and diverse operational experience (passenger, cargo, ACMI) are valued by larger carriers. Several former ASL pilots have moved on to airlines like Air France, Transavia, easyJet, and others. However, prospective pilots should be aware that the initial salary and contract terms are modest compared to direct entry at larger airlines, so it is a career investment with a longer-term payoff in mind.
Official Links & Resources
Before applying or making any career decisions, always verify information directly with official sources. Below are the key websites and organisations relevant to ASL Airlines France pilot careers:
Contact the SNPL ASL Airlines section directly before applying. Union representatives can provide the most current information on working conditions, contract terms, fleet outlook, and the state of collective agreement negotiations. The SNPL website also publishes updates on the group's restructuring that may affect hiring. For detailed salary data, the collective agreement texts are partially available on legal databases like droits-salaries.com, though full annexes (including salary grids) may not be published online.
