DAT Overview & Company Profile
DAT (formerly Danish Air Transport) is a privately owned Danish airline headquartered in Vamdrup, Kolding Municipality. Founded in 1989 by Jesper and Kirsten Rungholm as a small cargo operator flying a single twin-engine aircraft, the company has grown into a versatile European regional carrier transporting close to one million passengers per year. Captain Jesper Rungholm continues to lead the airline as CEO, giving DAT a rare owner-operator culture in today's aviation landscape.
The airline operates scheduled passenger services across Denmark, Norway, Germany, and Italy, complemented by a significant ACMI (wet lease) and charter business that takes its Airbus fleet worldwide. DAT holds a Danish AOC and also owns DAT LT, a Lithuanian subsidiary based in Kaunas with its own Lithuanian AOC, established in 2003. The Kaunas office has grown into a major operational hub, coordinating crew control, maintenance services, and operating many of DAT's international flights with Lithuanian-based pilots and cabin crew. With over 600 employees from 20 different countries, the airline has annual revenue of approximately 500 million DKK (around €67 million).
DAT is not a member of any airline alliance but maintains interline agreements with Lufthansa, SAS, Finnair, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Wideroe, providing connecting passengers with access to a broad global network. In 2022, DAT was recognized as the best domestic airline in Denmark. Recent wet lease clients include Finnair, Norwegian, Iberia, Emerald Airlines, and Uganda Airlines, demonstrating the airline's international reach beyond its scheduled network.
Fleet Composition & Type Ratings
DAT operates a mixed fleet of turboprops and narrowbody jets, designed for maximum versatility. The ATR family forms the backbone of the scheduled regional network, while the Airbus A320 family is deployed primarily on ACMI/wet lease contracts and longer charter operations. This dual-fleet strategy gives DAT pilots exposure to both turboprop and jet operations, though most pilots are type-rated on one platform. The airline also retains a single Cessna Citation Excel for executive charter and operational positioning.
| Aircraft Type | Role | In Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A321-231 | Narrowbody jet | 1 | ACMI/wet lease and charter operations. Higher capacity variant. |
| Airbus A320-200 (various) | Narrowbody jet | 4-5 | Core ACMI fleet. Wet leased to Finnair, Iberia, Norwegian, and others. |
| ATR 72-600 | Turboprop | 2 | Latest-generation regional turboprop. Scheduled services. |
| ATR 72-202/212/500 | Turboprop | 5 | Older ATR 72 variants. Regional scheduled and PSO routes. |
| ATR 42-300/320/500 | Turboprop | 7 | Smaller regional turboprop. Short runways and low-demand routes. |
| Cessna Citation Excel | Business jet | 1 | Executive charter and crew positioning. |
Fleet data based on DAT corporate website and industry sources, as of early 2025. Combined DAT and DAT LT fleet totals approximately 24 aircraft.
A notable piece of DAT history: in September 2021, the airline retired its last McDonnell Douglas MD-83, which was the final aircraft of that type still operating in Europe. The airline has previously also operated Saab 340s, MD-87s, and Embraer 195s. DAT acquired an Embraer 195 from the bankrupt Great Dane Airlines, though this type is no longer listed in the active fleet.
DAT generally recruits pilots who are already type-rated on either the ATR 42/72 or the Airbus A320 family. The airline has historically provided type rating training for non-rated pilots on both platforms, though this is subject to operational needs and is not guaranteed. Most new First Officers join either the ATR or Airbus fleet depending on demand. Cross-fleet transitions (ATR to Airbus or vice versa) are possible as opportunities arise but are not a structured pathway.
Pilot Salary & Compensation
DAT pilot compensation follows a structure common to smaller European regional airlines: a monthly guaranteed base salary supplemented by block hour payments, sector payments, and per diem allowances. As a member of the Confederation of Danish Industry (Dansk Industri), DAT's pay framework aligns with broader Danish industrial standards, though specific figures are negotiated directly between the airline and its pilots or their union representatives.
Publicly available data on DAT-specific salaries is limited, as the airline does not publish pay scales. However, industry sources and pilot forums provide useful reference points for what pilots at a regional carrier of this size in Scandinavia can expect. The figures below are estimates compiled from multiple public sources and should be treated as approximate ranges.
Estimated First Officer Pay
| Fleet | Monthly Base (est.) | Annual Gross (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATR F/O (entry) | ~25,000 - 30,000 DKK | ~300,000 - 400,000 DKK | Plus block hour pay, sector pay, per diems |
| ATR F/O (experienced) | ~30,000 - 38,000 DKK | ~400,000 - 500,000 DKK | Higher base after several years on type |
| A320 F/O | ~32,000 - 42,000 DKK | ~420,000 - 550,000 DKK | Jet pay premium. ACMI flying can boost earnings. |
Estimated Captain Pay
| Fleet | Monthly Base (est.) | Annual Gross (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATR Captain | ~50,000 - 58,000 DKK | ~650,000 - 750,000 DKK | Includes base + flight pay. ~€87,000 - €100,000 |
| A320 Captain | ~58,000 - 70,000 DKK | ~750,000 - 900,000 DKK | Higher for ACMI contracts. ~€100,000 - €120,000 |
All figures are gross estimates in Danish kroner (DKK) before tax. Pension contributions, holiday pay, and per diems are not included. 1 DKK ≈ €0.13 / $0.14. Actual pay depends on collective agreement terms, seniority, and flight activity.
DAT does not publicly disclose its pilot pay scales. The estimates above are compiled from pilot forum reports (PPRuNe), Glassdoor salary submissions, historical collective agreement data cited in Swedish aviation media, and general Danish airline pilot salary benchmarks. Actual compensation may differ significantly. Danish income tax rates are progressive and can reach 52% at the top marginal rate, substantially reducing take-home pay. Always verify current salary figures directly with DAT during the recruitment process.
Roster Pattern & Quality of Life
One of the most distinctive aspects of flying for DAT is the variety. Unlike airlines that operate fixed route patterns, DAT pilots can find themselves flying scheduled domestic services in Norway one week, operating an ACMI contract for Finnair the next, and then positioning for an ad-hoc charter. This variety is a core part of the DAT experience, but it also means the roster is inherently less predictable than at a scheduled-only carrier.
DAT does not operate a fixed rotation pattern (such as 5-on/3-off). Instead, rosters are published on a weekly rolling basis, covering approximately three weeks ahead. The airline guarantees a minimum number of off-days per month, compliant with EASA Flight Time Limitation (FTL) rules. The company expects flexibility from its pilots, and in return, accommodates requests where operationally possible.
📅 Sample Month: ATR First Officer (Scandinavia Scheduled)
For pilots on the Airbus ACMI fleet, rosters can look quite different. Wet lease contracts often involve being based away from home for extended periods (for example, several weeks operating out of Helsinki for Finnair, or Barcelona for Iberia). DAT offers the opportunity to commute: pilots can live at home and travel to where the aircraft is based, though this requires personal flexibility and tolerance for irregular schedules.
DAT offers home basing at approved major airports, meaning pilots do not necessarily need to relocate to Vamdrup. The company explicitly advertises the opportunity to commute, living at home and traveling to where the aircraft operates. This is particularly relevant for Airbus pilots on ACMI contracts, who may be positioned at varying European airports depending on the client. For ATR pilots on Scandinavian scheduled services, operations are centered around Copenhagen, Billund, and Norwegian airports. The Kaunas (Lithuania) base is also significant, with many DAT LT crew operating international flights from there.
Benefits, Travel Perks & Insurance
Despite being a smaller regional carrier, DAT provides a benefits package that covers the essentials a professional pilot needs, including loss of license insurance, a pension scheme, staff travel, and access to discounted private flying. The Danish social security system also underpins several protections that pilots at Danish-registered airlines automatically receive.
The MY ID TRAVEL system is a significant benefit for pilots at smaller airlines where you might not expect extensive travel perks. It provides discounted standby tickets on over 70 airlines globally, covering not just the pilot but also family members and designated companions. For pilots who value travel, this can be a meaningful quality-of-life advantage comparable to what much larger carriers offer. The system is widely used across the European regional airline sector.
Career Progression & Seniority
Career progression at DAT follows a more entrepreneurial model than the rigid seniority ladders found at large flag carriers. The airline's relatively small size means that upgrade timelines can be shorter, but they are also less predictable, as opportunities depend directly on fleet growth, ACMI contract wins, and crew turnover. DAT explicitly advertises fast-track command opportunities for First Officers, based on individual assessment and qualifications rather than pure seniority.
The airline also accepts direct-entry Captains, which sets it apart from carriers like SAS or Air France where all Captains must upgrade from within. For experienced pilots with sufficient PIC hours, joining DAT directly as a Commander is a viable and common pathway. This makes DAT an attractive option for pilots looking to gain or maintain command experience.
| Career Milestone | Typical Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Join as F/O (ATR or A320) | Day 1 | Must be type-rated. No minimum hours for F/O on A320. |
| Build PIC hours | 2-4 years | DAT offers discounted aircraft rental at Climb2 to help pilots build PIC time. |
| Captain upgrade (internal) | ~3-6 years | Fast-track possible. Assessment-based, not purely seniority. |
| Direct-entry Captain | Day 1 | 500 hrs PIC required (excl. sim, PICUS, line training) for A320. ATR similar. |
| Cross-fleet transition | Variable | ATR to Airbus or vice versa. Subject to operational need and company decision. |
| Training Captain / TRI / TRE | Variable | DAT prefers to train in-house. Instructor roles available for experienced pilots. |
For pilots early in their career, DAT offers something that larger airlines often cannot: a realistic path to command within a few years, combined with diverse operational experience across multiple countries, aircraft types, and mission profiles (scheduled, charter, ACMI). The trade-off is lower pay compared to flag carriers and less roster predictability. Many pilots use DAT as a stepping stone, building turboprop PIC hours or A320 jet time before moving to larger airlines. Others stay for the long term, attracted by the variety and the close-knit culture of a family-owned company.
Recruitment Process & Requirements
DAT recruits pilots on a rolling basis, typically posting vacancies on its corporate careers page, PilotsGlobal, LinkedIn, and various pilot job boards. The airline hires for both the ATR and Airbus fleets separately, and requirements differ slightly between the two. There is no cadet programme: DAT recruits qualified, type-rated pilots (or, occasionally, non-type-rated pilots for whom the company funds the type rating).
ATR Fleet Requirements
Airbus A320 Fleet Requirements
Selection Process
Online Application
Submit your CV, license details, and supporting documents through the DAT careers portal or the relevant job posting platform. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. There is no fixed annual recruitment campaign.
Screening & Interview
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview, typically covering technical knowledge, CRM competencies, motivation, and operational flexibility. DAT values adaptability given the diverse nature of its operations.
Simulator Assessment
A simulator check on the relevant type (ATR or A320) may be conducted to assess handling skills, SOP adherence, and crew resource management. For experienced type-rated pilots, this is typically a standard proficiency check.
Medical & Background Checks
Valid Class 1 medical, clean criminal record, and no-incident/accident certificate from previous employers or the relevant aviation authority are required before contract signing.
Contract & Line Training
Successful candidates receive a contract and begin line training or, if non-type-rated, a type rating course. Line training duration varies by fleet and experience level.
DAT does not require Danish or Scandinavian language skills; English proficiency is sufficient. The airline recruits from across the EU and values multicultural experience given its multinational workforce. For A320 First Officers, the absence of a minimum hour requirement makes DAT an accessible entry point for newly type-rated pilots looking to build jet hours. Monitor the DAT careers page and PilotsGlobal regularly, as positions are posted on a rolling basis rather than in fixed recruitment windows.
Union & Industrial Relations
The Danish airline pilot union landscape is anchored by two key organizations. DALPA (Danish Airline Pilots' Association) serves as the umbrella body representing approximately 1,400 professional Danish pilots across multiple carriers. DALPA is an active member of both the European Cockpit Association (ECA) and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA). Beneath DALPA sits the FPU (Flyvebranchens Personale Union / Flight Personnel Union), which is part of the Danish Confederation of Trade Unions (FH) and organizes individual airline-specific pilot branches and cabin crew unions.
DAT pilots may be represented through FPU or a local branch agreement. As a member of the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), DAT negotiates working conditions within the broader Danish collective bargaining framework. Specific details of the DAT pilot collective agreement are not publicly available, but the framework ensures that standard Danish employment protections, pension contributions, and leave entitlements are maintained.
DAT has not been involved in any publicly reported pilot strikes or major industrial disputes. The airline's small size and family-owned structure tend to foster a more direct relationship between management and pilots. Union membership is not mandatory but is available through FPU. For pilots joining DAT from outside Denmark, the Danish collective bargaining system provides a strong safety net covering pension, working hours, and dispute resolution, even at smaller carriers.
How DAT Compares: Airline Radar Chart
How does DAT stack up against two comparable European regional operators? Wideroe (Norway) is Scandinavia's largest regional carrier and a direct competitor on Norwegian PSO routes. Loganair (UK) is a similar-sized independent regional airline operating ATR, Embraer, and De Havilland aircraft across the Scottish Highlands, islands, and Northern England. All three airlines serve essential regional connectivity roles in their respective markets.
Key Takeaways from the Comparison
Wideroe leads on pay and job security. As Scandinavia's largest regional carrier (now a subsidiary of Norwegian Air Shuttle since 2024), Wideroe offers higher pilot salaries, a fleet of nearly 50 aircraft including Dash 8s and Embraer E190-E2s, and the stability of long-term Norwegian PSO contracts backed by government subsidies. Norwegian state ownership of many route contracts provides exceptional job security for Wideroe pilots. However, Wideroe does not operate jets, limiting long-term fleet diversity compared to DAT.
DAT offers unique operational variety. The combination of turboprop scheduled flying and Airbus ACMI/wet lease operations is rare in the regional sector. DAT pilots can build both turboprop and jet experience within one company, and the ACMI business exposes them to international operations that neither Wideroe nor Loganair can match. The trade-off is lower base pay and less roster predictability.
Loganair is the closest size comparator. Both DAT and Loganair are independent, mid-sized regional carriers serving essential routes. Loganair's pay is generally lower than DAT's, reflecting UK regional airline norms, but its route network is more focused (Scotland and Northern England). Loganair does not offer jet operations, limiting its appeal for pilots seeking Airbus experience.
Command access is fastest at DAT. DAT's direct-entry Captain policy and fast-track upgrade programme make it the best of the three for pilots seeking command experience. Wideroe and Loganair both have longer, more structured seniority pathways to the left seat.
Scores are editorial estimates based on publicly available salary data, pilot job postings, airline press releases, route network analysis, and general industry benchmarks. They represent a generalized assessment for a mid-career pilot evaluating long-term options. Individual experiences will vary significantly based on fleet assignment, base location, and contract terms. Wideroe scores reflect its post-acquisition status as part of the Norwegian Group.
Verdict: Who Is DAT For?
🎯 Our Take
DAT occupies a distinctive niche in European aviation. It is not the highest-paying airline, nor does it offer the most predictable roster. What it does offer is something increasingly rare: genuine operational variety within a single company, fast-track access to command, and the entrepreneurial spirit of a family-owned carrier that has survived and grown for over 35 years.
For early-career pilots, DAT provides an accessible entry point to both turboprop and jet operations with no minimum hour requirements for A320 First Officers and a realistic path to Captain within a few years. The MY ID TRAVEL benefits, loss of license coverage, and Danish employment protections add meaningful security. For experienced pilots, the direct-entry Captain route and the international exposure of ACMI contracts make DAT an interesting option, particularly for those who thrive on variety rather than routine.
The trade-offs are real: pay lags behind flag carriers and larger regionals like Wideroe, the rolling roster demands flexibility, and the company's reliance on ACMI contracts introduces some business uncertainty. Pilots seeking long-term stability with high pay and fixed patterns will find better options at larger carriers. But for those who want to build diverse experience quickly in a dynamic environment, DAT is well worth considering.
1 Do I need to speak Danish to fly for DAT?
No. DAT does not require Danish language skills. English proficiency at ICAO Level 4 or above is sufficient. The airline has a multinational workforce with pilots from over 20 countries, and English is the primary operational language. Scandinavian language skills may be helpful for daily life if based in Denmark or Norway but are not a recruitment requirement.
2 Does DAT pay for type rating training?
DAT has historically funded type rating training for some pilots on both the ATR and Airbus fleets, but this is not guaranteed and depends on operational needs. Most current job postings require candidates to be type-rated on the relevant aircraft. If the airline does fund a type rating, it may come with a training bond (a commitment to stay for a specified period). Always clarify this during the recruitment process.
3 How long does it take to upgrade to Captain at DAT?
DAT explicitly offers fast-track command opportunities for First Officers, based on assessment and qualifications rather than strict seniority. Upgrade timelines vary, but 3 to 6 years is a realistic range for an internal upgrade. DAT also accepts direct-entry Captains with 500+ hours PIC, making command access significantly faster than at most larger airlines.
4 Can non-EU citizens apply?
No. DAT requires all pilot applicants to have the right to live and work in the European Union. This effectively limits recruitment to EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals, or holders of valid EU work permits. The airline does not sponsor work visas.
5 What is ACMI/wet lease flying like at DAT?
ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) flying means DAT provides a complete aircraft and crew to another airline, operating under DAT's AOC but in the client airline's livery or branding. For pilots, this means flying routes you would not normally operate on DAT's own network, often for well-known carriers like Finnair or Iberia. You may be based away from home for weeks at a time, operating from the client's hub. The work is varied and interesting, but demands flexibility and comfort with changing environments.
6 Is DAT a good stepping stone to larger airlines?
Yes, DAT is widely regarded as a solid career-building airline. For ATR pilots, it provides the turboprop command hours that many larger carriers require. For Airbus pilots, it offers A320 type-rated experience and jet hours without the highly competitive recruitment process of low-cost or flag carriers. Many former DAT pilots have moved on to SAS, Norwegian, Ryanair, easyJet, and other major European airlines. The diverse operational experience (scheduled, ACMI, charter) is also valued by recruiters.
7 What is the difference between DAT and DAT LT?
DAT LT (formerly DOT LT / Danu Oro Transportas) is a wholly owned Lithuanian subsidiary of DAT, established in 2003 and based in Kaunas. It operates under its own Lithuanian Air Operator Certificate (AOC) but functions as an integrated part of the DAT group. Lithuanian pilots and cabin crew based at DAT LT operate many of DAT's international flights, particularly ACMI contracts. The two entities share operational coordination, with the Kaunas office handling crew control and maintenance services. For pilots, being employed by DAT LT vs DAT A/S may affect your employment contract terms (Danish vs Lithuanian labor law), so clarify which entity you would be joining during recruitment.
8 How does DAT pilot pay compare to other Scandinavian airlines?
DAT pilot salaries are at the lower end of the Scandinavian range, reflecting its status as a smaller regional carrier. SAS Captains earn significantly more (often 2-3 times DAT levels), and Wideroe pay also exceeds DAT, particularly for turboprop Captains. Norwegian Air Shuttle offers higher jet pilot pay. However, DAT compensates with faster command access, lower entry barriers, diverse experience, and a functional benefits package. For pilots building hours toward a career at a larger Scandinavian carrier, the pay gap is often accepted as a worthwhile investment in experience.
Official Links & Resources
Before applying or making career decisions, always verify information directly with official sources. Below are the key websites and organizations relevant to a pilot career at DAT.
Follow DAT on LinkedIn for the latest recruitment announcements. The airline typically posts A320 and ATR vacancies here before they appear on job boards. Also monitor PilotsGlobal for structured job listings with full requirement details. DAT recruits on a rolling basis, so staying alert to new postings is more important than timing a fixed application window.
