HOP! Overview & Company Profile
Air France HOP (commonly known as HOP!) is the regional subsidiary of Air France, itself part of the Air France-KLM Group. Created on 31 March 2013, HOP! was born from the merger of three legacy French regional carriers: Brit Air, Regional, and Airlinair. The merger was designed to streamline Air France's regional operations, cut costs by approximately 15%, and create a unified feeder network to serve the group's Paris hubs and regional French airports.
Headquartered at Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), HOP! operates approximately 150 daily flights serving around 50 destinations across France, Europe, and North Africa. The airline's primary role is to feed Air France's long-haul network at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and to provide point-to-point regional connections. In 2019, HOP!'s services were folded under the Air France brand and flight code (AF), meaning passengers book flights as "Air France" even when the aircraft and crew belong to HOP!. The airline employs roughly 2,000 staff in total, including approximately 350 to 400 pilots following the significant downsizing that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic restructuring.
HOP! operates from two main crew bases at Paris CDG (Terminal 2G) and Lyon-Saint Exupery (LYS), with its corporate headquarters and operations control centre remaining in Nantes. A significant maintenance facility is located at Clermont-Ferrand. The airline is a member of the SkyTeam alliance through its parent company Air France.
HOP!'s long-term future is a subject of active discussion within the Air France-KLM Group. According to industry forums and aviation press reports from early 2025, Air France is evaluating several scenarios for HOP! after 2026. These include a potential fleet reduction from approximately 39 to 24 aircraft (E190 only, with E170 retirement), a possible joint venture with Regourd Aviation (Amelia) to operate 6-8 Embraer 190s at CDG by 2028, and the progressive integration or transfer of HOP! pilots to other group entities. Approximately 80 pilot departures are expected by 2028 through natural attrition. Any prospective HOP! applicant should carefully assess these developments before committing.
Fleet Composition & Type Ratings
HOP! operates an all-Embraer fleet, having completed the phase-out of its ATR turboprops (retired 2019-2020) and Bombardier CRJ-1000s (last aircraft departed December 2022). The current fleet consists exclusively of Embraer E170 and Embraer E190 regional jets. Both types belong to the Embraer E-Jet family and share approximately 89% commonality, which simplifies training and maintenance. The E170 seats 76 passengers in a 2-2 configuration, while the E190 accommodates between 100 and 110 passengers (following a cabin reconfiguration that began in September 2025 with new Expliseat lightweight seats designed in collaboration with Air France).
| Aircraft Type | Role | In Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embraer E170 (ERJ-170LR) | Regional Jet | ~13 | 76 seats (2-2). Smaller airfields and lower-demand routes. Potential retirement under fleet reduction plans. |
| Embraer E190 (ERJ-190LR) | Regional Jet | ~26 | 100-110 seats (2-2). Backbone of the fleet. New cabin interiors being retrofitted since Sept 2025 with Starlink Wi-Fi. |
Fleet data as of early 2026. Numbers are approximate and subject to ongoing fleet planning decisions within the Air France-KLM Group.
The fleet simplification to just two Embraer types has reduced operating costs and training complexity considerably compared to the earlier era when HOP! operated ATR 42/72, CRJ-100/700/1000, and Embraer types simultaneously. Pilots joining HOP! today will be type-rated on either the E170 or E190 (a single type rating covers both due to their shared cockpit design). HOP! covers the cost of the type rating for pilots recruited through its official selection process.
In early 2025, Air France announced a significant cabin upgrade programme for the E190 fleet. New lightweight seats manufactured by the French company Expliseat are being installed at HOP!'s maintenance centre in Clermont-Ferrand, along with Air France signature cabin colours and panels. Starting October 2025, business class passengers on HOP! E190s benefit from an empty adjacent seat, aligning the product more closely with Air France's mainline short-haul offering.
HOP! has no new aircraft orders announced as of early 2026. The E170 and E190 are first-generation E-Jets, now over 15 years old on average. Air France has been expanding its A220-300 fleet on the mainline side, which overlaps with E190 capacity (the A220 seats 148 passengers). This overlap is one of the factors driving speculation about HOP!'s long-term fleet size reduction. The potential Regourd/Amelia joint venture discussed in industry circles would see a portion of the E190 fleet operated under a different structure by 2028.
Pilot Salary & Compensation
HOP! pilot salaries are governed by the company's own collective agreement, negotiated with the SNPL section at HOP!. Compensation is notably lower than at Air France mainline, which has been a long-standing source of tension between HOP! pilots and management. The salary structure includes a monthly base salary, per-flight-hour pay, per diem allowances, and night/weekend premiums. A key issue for HOP! pilots has historically been the pay gap with Air France mainline pilots performing comparable short-haul operations on similar-sized aircraft.
First Officer (OPL) Estimated Pay Scale
| Seniority | Monthly Gross (est.) | Annual Gross (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (entry) | €3,500 - €4,500 | ~€42,000 - €54,000 | Entry-level F/O on E170 or E190 |
| Year 3-5 | €5,000 - €6,500 | ~€60,000 - €78,000 | With flight hour bonuses and per diems |
| Year 7-10 | €6,500 - €8,000 | ~€78,000 - €96,000 | Senior F/O approaching Captain eligibility |
Captain (CDB) Estimated Pay Scale
| Seniority | Monthly Gross (est.) | Annual Gross (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Captain | €8,000 - €10,000 | ~€96,000 - €120,000 | Newly upgraded Captain on E170/E190 |
| Experienced Captain (5+ yrs) | €10,000 - €11,000 | ~€120,000 - €132,000 | Senior Captain, approaching top of scale |
These figures are estimates compiled from industry salary databases, Glassdoor reports, and pilot community feedback. Actual compensation depends on the current HOP! collective agreement, seniority step, and flight hours logged.
Exact salary grids for HOP! are not publicly available. The estimates above are based on multiple sources including Glassdoor salary reports (which indicate a Captain salary centred around €6,000-€11,000/month), industry comparison sites, and pilot forum discussions on Aeronet. French social charges (~22-25%) and income tax (up to ~45%) significantly reduce take-home pay from gross figures. HOP! salaries are widely acknowledged to be 30-40% lower than Air France mainline salaries for equivalent seniority levels. This gap was a central demand during the 2020 SNPL HOP strike action.
Roster Pattern & Quality of Life
HOP! pilots operate exclusively on short-haul routes, meaning no layovers and typically same-day returns to base. Operations are governed by EASA Flight Time Limitations (FTL) and the HOP! collective agreement. The roster is a variable pattern with schedule bids influenced by seniority. As a short-haul regional operator, HOP! pilots typically fly multiple sectors per day (2-4 legs), with early morning departures and late evening returns being common.
📅 Sample Month - E190 First Officer (CDG Base)
Short-haul regional flying at HOP! means pilots are home most nights, which is a significant quality-of-life advantage compared to long-haul operations. However, the multi-sector days can be tiring, with early check-in times (often before 05:00) and late finishes. The short turnarounds at regional airports also mean higher workload per flight hour compared to longer sectors.
HOP! pilots are based at either Paris CDG or Lyon-Saint Exupery. The CDG base handles the majority of flights feeding Air France's international network, while Lyon serves as a secondary hub with regional connections. Unlike Air France mainline where Paris is the only option, the Lyon base offers a more affordable and arguably better quality of life for those who prefer living outside the capital. Living costs in Lyon are significantly lower than in Paris, making the salary gap with Air France mainline somewhat less painful in practice.
Benefits, Travel Perks & Retirement
As a 100% subsidiary of Air France operating under French labour law, HOP! pilots benefit from the strong social protections available to French employees. While the benefits package is not as generous as Air France mainline in certain respects, it remains competitive by European regional airline standards. The key advantage of working within the Air France-KLM Group is access to the group-wide staff travel programme.
The CRPN is a non-profit pension fund specifically for French-based aircrew, operational since 1951. It provides a supplementary pension on top of the basic French state pension, calculated on career-average earnings. This is one of the most generous aviation-specific retirement systems in Europe and applies equally to HOP!, Air France, and Transavia pilots. Contributions are based on gross earnings, and the scheme includes a survivors' pension (60% of member's pension) and orphan's benefits. Regardless of whether you fly for HOP! or Air France mainline, the CRPN pension structure is the same.
Career Progression & Seniority
Career progression at HOP! follows a seniority-based system, similar to most French airlines. Pilots join as First Officers (OPL) and can progress to Captain (CDB) after accumulating sufficient experience and passing a command assessment. Unlike Air France mainline, upgrade times at HOP! have historically been shorter, as the smaller fleet and higher turnover create more opportunities. However, the most significant career question for HOP! pilots today is not internal progression but rather the pathway to Air France mainline.
HOP! pilots and Air France/Transavia pilots operate on separate seniority lists. This is a critical distinction. Transferring from HOP! to Air France mainline requires passing Air France's own pilot selection process. This is not automatic and not guaranteed. During the COVID-19 restructuring, approximately 200 HOP! pilots successfully passed the Air France/Transavia selection (known as the "AFTO" selection) and transferred, but many who remain at HOP! either did not pass or chose not to attempt it.
| Career Milestone | Typical Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Join as F/O (E170 or E190) | Day 1 | Type rating funded by HOP!. Assignment to CDG or Lyon base. |
| Captain upgrade at HOP! | 5-8 years | Faster than Air France mainline (~15 yrs). Depends on seniority and vacancies. |
| Transfer to Air France mainline | Not guaranteed | Requires passing separate AF selection. Different seniority list. ~200 pilots transferred post-COVID. |
| Training Captain / TRI / TRE | Variable | Instructor roles available within HOP!. Separate selection process. |
Since the post-COVID restructuring, HOP!'s pilot recruitment selection has been outsourced to Air France. New HOP! pilot candidates go through a selection process managed by Air France (the PSY 1 and PSY 2 stages). This is a significant development: while it aligns recruitment standards, it does NOT place HOP! recruits on the Air France seniority list. Pilots recruited through this process join HOP! specifically, with no automatic transfer pathway to Air France or Transavia. According to the Air France careers page, "HOP! has its own selection process for pilots" and the Air France/Transavia selection is explicitly separate. This distinction is essential for anyone evaluating HOP! as a career step towards Air France mainline.
Recruitment Process & Requirements
HOP! recruits professional pilots (no cadet programme) through a selection process that, since the post-COVID restructuring, has been administered in partnership with Air France. Candidates apply via the HOP! pilot recruitment page or the Air France employment portal. The selection process is rigorous and follows a similar structure to the Air France professional pilot stream, though it leads to a HOP! contract specifically.
Eligibility Requirements
Selection Stages
Online Application & Pre-screening
Submit your application via the HOP! or Air France careers portal. Document verification (license, medical, qualifications). Initial screening based on eligibility criteria.
PSY 1 - Psychotechnical & Psychomotor Tests
Administered at the ENAC campus in Toulouse (or Air France facilities). Full day of computer-based aptitude assessments covering spatial reasoning, multitasking, coordination, memory, and cognitive ability. This is the primary elimination stage. As the selection is outsourced to Air France, the PSY 1 format follows Air France standards.
PSY 2 - Group Exercise & Interview
Typically held at Air France's Selection Centre at Roissy CDG. Includes personality inventories, a group CRM exercise, and an individual interview. Focus on leadership, stress management, cultural fit, and communication skills.
Simulator Assessment (if applicable)
Some candidates may be asked to complete a flight simulator session. This typically evaluates basic handling skills, procedural discipline, and decision-making under pressure.
Medical & Contract
Successful candidates receive a CDI (permanent contract) offer. Class 1 medical must be valid. Type rating training (E170/E190) begins at HOP!'s facilities, fully funded by the company, followed by line training and a final line check.
Fluent French is absolutely non-negotiable. All internal communications, briefings, and company culture at HOP! are in French. The selection process itself is conducted partly in French. Unlike Air France mainline, HOP! does not offer a cadet programme: candidates must already hold a CPL/IR-ME or ATPL. Prior experience on regional jets or turboprops is valued but not required. Given the uncertain future of HOP! beyond 2026, prospective candidates should ask direct questions about fleet plans, base stability, and transfer pathways during the interview stage.
How HOP! Compares: Airline Radar Chart
How does HOP! stack up against two comparable French airlines that compete for similar pilot profiles? Transavia France (Air France-KLM's low-cost subsidiary) and Air Corsica (the regional carrier serving Corsica) are the most relevant comparison points for pilots considering a French regional or domestic career. Below is our comparative analysis across five key metrics.
Key Takeaways
Transavia France leads on salary and job security. As Air France-KLM's growth vehicle for European leisure routes, Transavia is actively expanding (over 50 aircraft, growing to 80+). Pilots share the Air France/Transavia seniority list, meaning career progression towards Air France mainline is built into the system. Transavia salaries are also higher than HOP!, closer to Air France mainline levels. For a pilot choosing between HOP! and Transavia, Transavia offers a clearly stronger long-term proposition.
HOP! scores better on work-life balance. The multi-base option (CDG and Lyon) and short-haul regional flying mean pilots are home every night. Lyon-based pilots especially enjoy a quality of life that neither Transavia (Orly-based) nor Air France (CDG-based, Paris only) can easily match. The sector-intensive flying is tiring, but the predictability of same-day returns is valued by many pilots.
Air Corsica offers a niche lifestyle advantage. Based in Ajaccio and Bastia, Air Corsica provides a Mediterranean island lifestyle that appeals to pilots prioritizing location over career ceiling. Pay is modest but Corsican living costs are lower. The fleet is smaller (ATR 72 and A320) and career ceiling is lower, but job satisfaction among its pilots is reportedly high.
Fleet modernity and job security are HOP!'s weakest points. The ageing E-Jet fleet with no confirmed renewal orders, combined with the uncertain strategic outlook beyond 2026, make HOP! the riskiest of the three options for long-term career planning.
Scores are editorial estimates based on our research into publicly available salary data, pilot forums, airline press releases, and industry benchmarks. They represent a general assessment for a pilot considering a career in French regional/domestic aviation. Individual experiences will vary based on seniority, base choice, and personal priorities.
Union & Industrial Relations
Pilot representation at HOP! is handled by the SNPL France ALPA (Syndicat National des Pilotes de Ligne), the same union that represents Air France and Transavia pilots. The SNPL HOP section negotiates the company-level collective agreement covering salary scales, roster rules, base assignments, and working conditions. Understanding the union landscape is particularly important at HOP! because the long-standing pay parity dispute with Air France mainline has been a defining feature of industrial relations at the airline.
Recent Industrial Action & Key Disputes
The SNPL's representation at HOP! provides meaningful protections, particularly on roster rules, base assignments, and contractual security. However, the fundamental tension between HOP!'s lower pay scale and Air France mainline conditions remains unresolved. New recruits should understand that union membership is optional but strongly encouraged by the SNPL. The ongoing discussions about HOP!'s future (fleet reduction, Amelia joint venture) will be a key negotiating topic in the coming years, with the current agreement set to expire in 2026.
Verdict: Who Is HOP! For?
🎯 Our Take
HOP! occupies a difficult position in the French aviation landscape. On the positive side, it offers pilots a CDI under French labour law, access to the CRPN pension system, Air France-KLM Group staff travel benefits, a two-base option (CDG and Lyon), and the experience of flying modern regional jets on a diverse domestic and European network. Captain upgrade times are relatively fast compared to Air France mainline, and the short-haul, home-every-night roster pattern suits pilots who value predictability.
The challenges are significant. Salaries are 30-40% below Air France mainline for comparable work. The fleet is ageing with no confirmed renewal. The long-term strategic future of HOP! beyond 2026 is uncertain, with various restructuring scenarios under discussion. Transfer to Air France mainline is not automatic and requires passing a separate selection. The airline has already undergone dramatic downsizing, losing roughly half its workforce during the COVID era.
For pilots who can secure a position at Air France or Transavia directly, those options are objectively stronger. HOP! is best suited for pilots who value the Lyon base, want to build regional jet experience quickly, or see HOP! as a stepping stone while preparing for the Air France/Transavia selection on the side.
1 Is HOP! the same seniority list as Air France?
No. HOP! pilots have their own separate seniority list. Air France and Transavia pilots share a single seniority list, but HOP! is not included. Transferring from HOP! to Air France or Transavia requires passing their separate pilot selection process. This is not automatic and there is no guaranteed pathway.
2 Does HOP! pay for the type rating?
Yes. Pilots recruited through HOP!'s official selection process receive a company-funded type rating on the Embraer E170/E190. Training takes place at HOP!'s facilities and is followed by line training and a final line check.
3 How does HOP! pilot pay compare to Air France?
HOP! salaries are estimated to be 30-40% lower than Air France mainline for equivalent seniority levels. A HOP! Captain earns roughly €10,000-€11,000 gross per month at the top of the scale, while an Air France short-haul Captain earns approximately €12,500-€14,000. This pay gap has been a long-standing source of union negotiation and was a key driver of the 2020 strike action.
4 Can I be based in Lyon?
Yes. HOP! maintains crew bases at both Paris CDG and Lyon-Saint Exupery. Base assignment depends on operational needs and seniority, but Lyon is a genuine option that many HOP! pilots choose for its quality of life and lower living costs compared to Paris.
5 What is the future of HOP! after 2026?
The future remains uncertain as of early 2026. Several scenarios are being discussed within the Air France-KLM Group: fleet reduction from ~39 to ~24 aircraft (E190 only), a potential joint venture with Regourd Aviation (Amelia) to operate a portion of the E190 fleet, and progressive integration of some pilots into other group entities. The current operating agreement expires in 2026. Approximately 80 pilot departures are expected by 2028 through natural attrition. Prospective applicants should monitor developments closely.
6 Do I need to speak French to fly for HOP!?
Yes, fluent French is mandatory. Non-native French speakers must hold FCL.055 Level 6 in French. All internal communications, company culture, union interactions, and much of the selection process are conducted in French. There is no English-only pathway at HOP!.
7 Does HOP! have a cadet programme?
No. Unlike Air France mainline, HOP! does not offer a cadet programme. All pilot recruits must already hold a valid ATPL or CPL/IR-ME issued by an EU ATO. If you are an ab-initio candidate, you should consider the Air France Cadet Programme instead, which leads to the Air France/Transavia seniority list (not HOP!).
8 How long to upgrade to Captain at HOP!?
Captain upgrade at HOP! is estimated at approximately 5-8 years, significantly faster than Air France mainline (~15 years). The smaller fleet and relatively higher pilot turnover create more command opportunities. The upgrade process includes a command assessment (interview and simulator check) and is subject to vacancies and seniority position.
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 HOP! pilot careers:
Follow the SNPL press releases page (snpl.com/presse) and the Aeronet pilot forum for the latest discussions on HOP!'s future, fleet plans, and negotiations. The Aeronet thread on HOP!'s future ("Quel avenir pour HOP?") is particularly informative, with contributions from current and former HOP! pilots discussing the Regourd/Amelia scenarios and fleet evolution.
