French Bee Overview & Company Profile
French Bee is a French low-cost, long-haul airline founded in 2016 and headquartered at Paris Orly Airport (ORY). The airline is a subsidiary of Groupe Dubreuil, a family-owned conglomerate based in Bellevigny, Vendée, which also owns Air Caraïbes, its Caribbean sister airline. French Bee operates under a "Smart Cost" business model: low fares on long-haul leisure routes, paired with modern, fuel-efficient Airbus A350 aircraft and a tiered cabin product that lets passengers choose their level of comfort.
Operations began on September 10, 2016, with a Paris Orly to Punta Cana service. The airline quickly expanded into high-demand leisure corridors, building a network focused on French overseas territories (Réunion, Tahiti/Papeete) and transatlantic routes to the United States and Canada. By 2018, French Bee had captured approximately 35% of the Paris-Papeete market, competing head-to-head with Air Tahiti Nui and Air France on one of France's most iconic ultra-long-haul routes. The airline is not a member of any airline alliance but benefits from the Groupe Dubreuil aviation ecosystem, which includes code-sharing and operational synergies with Air Caraïbes.
As of early 2026, French Bee operates a fleet of 6 Airbus A350 widebody aircraft from its single base at Paris Orly, serving 7 destinations across the Indian Ocean, French Polynesia, and North America. The airline employs approximately 200 to 250 pilots and has been actively recruiting to support fleet expansion and network growth. Leadership has undergone transitions in recent years: founding CEO Marc Rochet was succeeded by Christine Ourmières-Widener (formerly of TAP Air Portugal) in August 2023, who was then followed by Paul-Henri Dubreuil as interim President in January 2025, signaling closer family group governance.
Fleet Composition & Type Ratings
French Bee operates one of the most modern and homogeneous fleets in European aviation: exclusively Airbus A350 widebody aircraft. The airline was the first carrier globally to operate an entirely A350-only fleet, giving pilots the advantage of a single type rating for all operations. The fleet currently comprises four A350-900 and two A350-1000 variants, with an average fleet age of just 6.7 years. The A350 platform delivers approximately 25% lower fuel consumption compared to previous-generation widebodies, and its advanced cabin systems (improved pressurization, lower noise, higher humidity) help reduce pilot fatigue on long-haul sectors.
| Aircraft Type | Role | In Service | Configuration / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A350-900 | Long-haul | 4 | 411 seats (35 Premium Eco + 376 Economy). Core fleet for Réunion, Montreal, and some US routes. |
| Airbus A350-1000 | Long-haul | 2 | 480 seats (40 Premium Eco + 440 Economy). Deployed on highest-demand routes: Newark, SFO-Papeete. |
Fleet data as of early 2026. Additional A350 deliveries are expected as the network expands.
The high-density cabin layout (411 seats on the -900 and 480 on the -1000) reflects French Bee's low-cost positioning. Premium Economy offers 18-inch-wide seats with 36 inches of pitch, while Economy features 16-inch seats at 32-inch pitch. These configurations are among the densest in the A350 operator world, maximizing revenue per flight. For pilots, the operational implication is straightforward: every sector involves managing large passenger loads on modern, reliable equipment.
Groupe Dubreuil has signaled plans for additional A350 deliveries to support network expansion, with industry reports projecting the fleet growing to 8 to 10 aircraft by 2027-2028. Each new aircraft creates approximately 6 Captain positions and a corresponding number of First Officer roles, making fleet expansion the primary driver of career advancement at French Bee.
French Bee covers the cost of Airbus A350 type rating for pilots recruited through the official selection process. Since the airline operates a single aircraft type, there is no fleet bidding system. All pilots fly the A350, whether the -900 or -1000 variant (which share a common type rating). This simplifies career management but also means pilots seeking multi-type experience will need to look elsewhere. A typical 18-month bonding commitment applies after type rating training, during which pilots cannot resign without financial penalty.
Pilot Salary & Compensation Breakdown
French Bee pilot salaries are calculated on a 70-hour monthly flight time baseline, with overtime premiums for hours beyond this threshold. The pay structure follows a 10-year seniority grid. Notably, the figures published by industry sources for French Bee are expressed in net monthly salary (after French social contributions), which is unusual in European aviation where gross figures are the norm. This makes direct comparisons tricky: French social charges reduce gross salary by approximately 22-25%, so a net figure of €10,000 corresponds roughly to €12,500-13,000 gross.
First Officer (F/O) Pay Scale
| Seniority | Net Monthly (70h base) | Est. Annual Net | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (entry) | €5,500 | ~€66,000 | Starting salary on 70h/month basis |
| Year 3 | €7,000 | ~€84,000 | Progressive seniority increases |
| Year 5 | €7,500 | ~€90,000 | Mid-career F/O level |
| Year 10 | €8,750 | ~€105,000 | Top of F/O pay scale |
Net monthly figures on 70-hour baseline. Overtime (hours above 68-75h) attracts a +15% premium. Annual estimates include 13th month but exclude per diems and bonuses.
Captain (CDB) Pay Scale
| Seniority | Net Monthly (70h base) | Est. Annual Net | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (entry Captain) | €8,500 | ~€102,000 | 55% increase over Year 1 F/O |
| Year 3 | €9,500 | ~€114,000 | Progressive seniority increases |
| Year 5 | €10,500 | ~€126,000 | Mid-career Captain level |
| Year 10 | €13,000 | ~€156,000 | Top of Captain pay scale |
Net figures. A Year 10 Captain earning €13,000 net/month corresponds to approximately €195,000-210,000 gross annually, placing French Bee below major legacy carriers but competitive among long-haul LCCs.
Per Diem Allowances
Per diem rates vary by route and are calculated per hour of ground time during layovers. The Réunion rotation pays €2.92/hour, while the San Francisco-Papeete rotation pays €3.75/hour. These rates are modest compared to major European carriers but provide meaningful supplementary income on long layovers. On a typical 36-hour Papeete layover, a pilot would earn approximately €135 in per diems on top of base salary.
These figures are compiled from multiple industry sources including Pilot Jobs Network and Aircrew Network. Actual compensation depends on the latest collective agreement, individual seniority steps, and flight hours logged. French Bee salaries are significantly lower than those at Air France (where senior Captains can exceed €250,000 gross annually) but are competitive with other European long-haul low-cost operators. The generous 41-day annual leave entitlement and CRPN pension participation partially offset the salary differential. French income tax (progressive rates up to ~45%) further reduces take-home pay. Always verify current figures through official French Bee recruitment channels.
Roster Pattern & Quality of Life
French Bee operates exclusively long-haul routes from Paris Orly, which means all rotations involve international layovers with significant time zone changes. The airline uses a back-to-back (B2B) rotation system that allows pilots to operate consecutive rotations followed by consolidated days off. This pattern is particularly beneficial for pilots who commute to Paris from other European cities, as it minimizes the number of separate commute trips per month.
Pilots typically receive approximately 10 days off per month on a rotating basis, plus 41 days of paid annual leave per year (accumulated during the first year for use starting in year two). The 41-day vacation entitlement is exceptionally generous by industry standards, exceeding most European carriers and well above the 25-30 days typical at low-cost operators. All operations fall under EASA Flight Time Limitation (FTL) regulations, which cap annual flight hours at 900 and impose strict rest requirements between duty periods.
📅 Sample Month: Long-Haul First Officer (ORY)
Long-haul rotations vary considerably depending on the destination. A Réunion rotation typically involves a 11-12 hour flight followed by a 24-48 hour layover before the return. The Paris-San Francisco-Papeete rotation is the most demanding, with a transatlantic leg to SFO, a crew stop, and then the transpacific push to Tahiti, followed by an extended layover. Newark and Miami rotations are shorter (7-10 hours) with standard 24-48 hour layovers in the US. Augmented crews (3-4 pilots) are used on ultra-long sectors exceeding 11 hours, allowing in-flight rest.
All French Bee pilots are based at Paris Orly (ORY). There is no alternative base option. This single-base model means pilots must either live in or near the Paris region, or commute internationally for each rotation. The B2B roster system helps commuting pilots by consolidating flying days, but the reality is that Paris living costs are high and the commute from other European cities adds significant unpaid travel time. On the positive side, Paris Orly is well connected by public transport (Orlyval, RER, tramway) and is smaller and more navigable than CDG.
Benefits, Travel Perks & Retirement
As a French-registered employer, French Bee provides a comprehensive benefits package anchored by France's robust statutory protections. While the airline's low-cost model means benefits are less lavish than at legacy carriers like Air France, the combination of French labor law, CRPN pension membership, and company-specific perks creates a solid package that partially compensates for the salary gap versus larger airlines.
The CRPN is a private non-profit pension fund specifically for French-based aircrew, in operation since 1951. It provides a supplementary pension on top of the basic French state pension. Death benefits are substantial: three years of wages if death occurs on duty, with additional allowances for dependent children. Permanent disability benefits range from 50-100% of base compensation depending on severity. The CRPN is one of the most generous aviation-specific retirement systems in Europe and represents a significant long-term benefit for any pilot building a career at a French carrier, including French Bee.
Career Progression & Seniority
Career progression at French Bee follows the seniority-based system standard across European commercial aviation. Your position in the seniority list determines upgrade eligibility, schedule bidding priority, and access to preferred rotations. Pilots joining French Bee start at the bottom of the seniority list regardless of prior experience at other airlines.
The key advantage of French Bee for career-minded pilots is the airline's rapid growth trajectory. With a fleet expanding from 6 to a projected 8-10 aircraft in the coming years, each new aircraft generates approximately 6 new Captain positions and a matching number of First Officer slots. This creates significantly faster upgrade opportunities compared to legacy carriers where seniority lists are long and established. Current estimates suggest a Captain upgrade timeline of approximately 3 to 5 years for First Officers, though this varies with hiring cohort, fleet delivery schedules, and natural attrition.
| Career Milestone | Typical Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Join as First Officer (A350) | Day 1 | Following successful type rating. 18-month bonding period applies. |
| Line check complete | ~3-6 months | Initial operating experience and line training on A350. |
| Captain upgrade eligibility | ~3-5 years | Seniority-dependent. Accelerated by fleet expansion and attrition. |
| Captain upgrade (A350) | 3-5 years | TRC assessment. Significant salary increase (~55% at Year 1). |
| Training Captain / TRE / TRI | Variable | Requires separate selection and instructor qualification. |
Unlike some legacy carriers, French Bee does not operate a cadet programme or ab-initio pathway. All recruits must hold valid licenses and meet minimum experience thresholds before applying. The single-aircraft-type fleet (A350 only) simplifies career management: there is no fleet bidding or transition process between different aircraft types. However, this also means pilots seeking multi-type experience will eventually need to move to another carrier.
French Bee is actively recruiting First Officers to support its expanding network, which now includes 7 destinations from Paris Orly. The addition of Montreal in April 2025 and increased frequencies on existing routes (up to 14 weekly flights to Réunion in winter) are driving pilot demand. For First Officers joining now, the fleet expansion creates a realistic path to Captain within 3-5 years, far faster than the 15+ year timeline at Air France or the 8-12 years at many other European flag carriers. This accelerated upgrade opportunity is one of French Bee's strongest career selling points.
Recruitment Process & Requirements
French Bee recruits both First Officers and Captains on a rolling basis through its official recruitment portal. The airline also conducts recruitment roadshows at European aviation events and cities (Madrid, Berlin, Lyon, and Barcelona were roadshow locations in 2023). The selection process is competitive but less grueling than the multi-stage psychotechnical process used by Air France.
First Officer Requirements
Captain Requirements
Selection Stages
Online Application
Submit CV, license copies, logbook summary, and medical certificate through the French Bee recruitment portal. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Roadshow events offer in-person submission and initial screening in selected European cities.
Interview & Technical Assessment
Shortlisted candidates attend an interview, typically at the airline's Paris Orly offices or at roadshow locations. The interview covers technical knowledge, CRM competencies, motivation, and operational awareness. A simulator assessment may be included depending on the position and the candidate's background.
Medical & Background Check
Successful candidates must present a valid EASA Class 1 Medical. Background checks and security clearances are conducted in accordance with French regulatory requirements (DGAC oversight).
Type Rating & Line Training
Selected pilots without A350 type rating undergo company-funded training (typically 4-6 weeks ground school + simulator). Line training under check airman supervision follows. An 18-month bonding commitment begins upon completion of type rating.
French language proficiency, while not formally mandatory for all positions, provides a significant operational advantage. Internal communications, union interactions, and regulatory correspondence are conducted in French. Candidates with widebody experience (particularly on Airbus types) and those holding an existing A350 or A330 type rating are especially competitive. The minimum 1,000 hours on CS-25 aircraft is a firm requirement per DGAC regulations, so candidates from turboprop-only backgrounds will need to build jet time elsewhere first.
Top 5 Layover Destinations
Long-haul layovers are one of the defining experiences of flying for French Bee. The airline's network spans the Indian Ocean, French Polynesia, and North America, offering pilots layovers in some genuinely spectacular locations. Layovers typically last 24 to 48 hours, with some Papeete rotations extending even longer. Hotels are contracted by the airline, and transport between hotel and airport is provided.
All crew hotels are contracted by the airline. Transport between hotel and airport is provided. Under EASA Flight Time Limitations, pilots must have a minimum 10-hour rest opportunity before the next duty period, with 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Long-haul flights over 11 hours require augmented crews (3-4 pilots). Layover destinations are determined by your roster bid, with more senior pilots getting first pick of preferred rotations.
How French Bee Compares: Airline Radar Chart
How does French Bee stack up against two comparable long-haul operators? We compare against Corsair International, a fellow French long-haul leisure carrier based at Paris Orly, and Norse Atlantic Airways, a European budget transatlantic specialist. Scores are editorial estimates based on publicly available data, pilot reports, and industry benchmarks.
Key Takeaways from the Comparison
French Bee wins decisively on fleet modernization. The all-A350 fleet (average age 6.7 years) is younger and more fuel-efficient than both Corsair's A330-900neo fleet and Norse Atlantic's Boeing 787 Dreamliners. For pilots, this translates to better cockpit technology, lower noise, improved cabin humidity, and the career cachet of flying one of the most advanced widebodies in service.
Corsair offers slightly higher compensation and better work-life balance. Captain salaries at Corsair are estimated to be marginally above French Bee levels, and Corsair's premium leisure positioning creates a less intensive operational culture. However, Corsair's network is contracting (it has withdrawn from most North American routes) and fleet expansion is limited, meaning fewer career advancement opportunities.
Norse Atlantic offers geographic flexibility but lower stability. Norse's EU floating base model allows pilots to be based across multiple European cities, a major advantage over French Bee's Paris-only base. However, Norse's ultra-low-cost model creates more intensive scheduling, and the airline's financial stability has faced questions. Per diems at Norse may be higher, but the overall benefits package (no CRPN pension, lower vacation days) is thinner.
French Bee's 41 vacation days are a standout. Neither Corsair (estimated 30-35 days) nor Norse (estimated 25-30 days) match French Bee's annual leave allowance, making it one of the most generous vacation policies among European long-haul operators.
Scores are editorial estimates based on publicly available salary data, pilot reports, airline financial disclosures, and industry benchmarks. They represent a general assessment for an experienced pilot considering a long-term career. Individual experiences will vary based on seniority, rotation preferences, and personal priorities. All three airlines are covered (or will be covered) in dedicated articles on this site.
Union & Industrial Relations
French Bee pilots are represented by the SNPL (Syndicat National des Pilotes de Ligne), also known as SNPL France ALPA. The SNPL represents over 75% of all French airline pilots and is the dominant bargaining force in French aviation. It is affiliated with both the European Cockpit Association (ECA) at the European level and IFALPA at the global level.
Working conditions at French Bee are governed by a framework combining French labor law (Code du Travail), EASA Flight Time Limitations, and the company-level collective agreement negotiated between SNPL and French Bee management. This framework covers salary scales, roster rules, per diem rates, training provisions, and scheduling practices.
Recent Labor Developments
French Bee's labor relations have improved markedly since the turbulent period of 2023. The SNPL presence ensures that pilot interests are represented in collective bargaining, and the broader French labor law framework provides strong protections against arbitrary scheduling or contractual changes. For new recruits, union membership is optional but strongly encouraged, as the SNPL negotiates salary, scheduling, and benefits on behalf of all French Bee pilots regardless of membership status.
Verdict: Who Is French Bee For?
🎯 Our Take
French Bee occupies a unique niche in European aviation: a low-cost long-haul carrier operating the most modern widebody fleet on the continent. For pilots, this translates to the rare opportunity to fly the Airbus A350 on genuinely exciting routes (Tahiti, Réunion, New York, San Francisco) from day one, with a realistic path to Captain in 3-5 years thanks to the airline's growth trajectory.
The trade-offs are clear. Salaries are moderate by European standards, significantly below legacy carriers like Air France. The Paris-only base limits geographic flexibility. The high-density cabin configurations and intensive long-haul operations can create fatigue challenges. And as a relatively young airline (founded 2016), French Bee's long-term trajectory depends heavily on Groupe Dubreuil's continued investment and the broader low-cost long-haul market remaining viable.
The positives, however, are compelling: an all-A350 fleet with an average age of 6.7 years, 41 days of annual leave (among the highest in Europe), CRPN pension participation, company-funded type rating, and layovers in some of the world's most desirable destinations. For pilots willing to accept moderate compensation in exchange for modern equipment, rapid career advancement, and an exceptional route network, French Bee is well worth serious consideration.
1 Do I need to speak French to fly for French Bee?
French language proficiency is not formally mandatory for all pilot positions, unlike at Air France where fluent French is a strict requirement. However, French is a significant operational advantage: internal communications, union interactions, regulatory correspondence, and company culture are predominantly French. Non-French-speaking pilots can apply but should expect that some accommodation will be needed for English-only operations.
2 Does French Bee pay for the type rating?
Yes. French Bee covers the cost of Airbus A350 type rating for pilots recruited through the official selection process. However, an 18-month bonding commitment applies after training completion, meaning pilots cannot resign without financial penalty during this period.
3 How long does it take to upgrade to Captain?
Current estimates suggest a Captain upgrade timeline of approximately 3 to 5 years for First Officers, though this depends on fleet expansion timing, natural attrition, and your position in the seniority list. This is significantly faster than the 15+ years typical at Air France or the 8-12 years at many other European legacy carriers. Fleet growth is the primary accelerant.
4 What is the minimum flight hours requirement?
First Officer candidates need a minimum of 1,000 hours on CS-25 aircraft (turbine-powered transports exceeding 10 tonnes). This is a regulatory requirement under EASA FCL.730.A. Candidates with 1,500-2,000+ total hours and previous widebody experience are particularly competitive.
5 Can non-EU citizens apply?
Non-EU citizens can apply but must hold a valid EU work authorization. French Bee does not sponsor visas, so candidates from outside the EU/EEA must secure their own work permit through French immigration channels, which can be a lengthy process.
6 How does French Bee compare to Air France for pilots?
Air France offers significantly higher salaries (senior Captains can exceed €250,000 gross annually), a more diverse fleet (A220 to 777), and the prestige of a flag carrier. However, Captain upgrade at Air France takes approximately 15 years, the selection process is far more rigorous, fluent French is mandatory, and EU/EEA nationality is required. French Bee offers faster career progression (3-5 years to Captain), a modern all-A350 fleet, and comparable vacation days (41 vs. 45), but at substantially lower pay. The choice depends on whether you prioritize compensation and prestige (Air France) or rapid advancement and modern equipment (French Bee).
7 What is the relationship between French Bee and Air Caraïbes?
Both airlines are subsidiaries of Groupe Dubreuil. Air Caraïbes operates long-haul services from Paris Orly to the French Caribbean (Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana) and also uses Airbus A350 aircraft alongside older A330s. While the two airlines share a parent company and some operational synergies, they maintain separate pilot seniority lists and employment contracts. Transfer between the two airlines is possible but not automatic.
8 Is French Bee financially stable?
French Bee is backed by Groupe Dubreuil, a diversified family-owned conglomerate with interests across aviation, automotive, agriculture, and distribution. This parent company structure provides financial resilience beyond what a standalone airline could offer. The airline has been consistently expanding its fleet and network since its founding in 2016, and Groupe Dubreuil has signaled continued investment with additional A350 deliveries planned. That said, the low-cost long-haul model remains challenging globally, and profitability depends on sustained leisure travel demand.
Official Links & Resources
Before applying or making any career decisions, always verify information directly with official sources. These are the key websites and organisations relevant to French Bee pilot careers:
Bookmark the French Bee recruitment portal (recrutement.frenchbee.com) and check it regularly, as pilot positions are posted on a rolling basis and roadshow dates are announced there first. For salary benchmarking and pilot reviews, Pilot Jobs Network and Aircrew Network maintain regularly updated French Bee profiles.
