TAROM Overview & Company Profile
TAROM (Transporturi Aeriene Romane) is the flag carrier of Romania, tracing its origins back to 1920 when the French-Romanian Company for Air Navigation (CFRNA) began operations. The airline formally adopted its current name and structure on September 18, 1954, making it one of the oldest continuously operating airlines in Eastern Europe. Headquartered at Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) in Otopeni, near Bucharest, TAROM is 97.22% owned by the Romanian Ministry of Transport.
TAROM joined the SkyTeam alliance on June 25, 2010, gaining access to the global network of 19 member airlines spanning over 1,000 destinations across 160 countries. Through code-share agreements with carriers including Air France, KLM, Air Europa, ITA Airways, Turkish Airlines, and airBaltic, TAROM extends its reach well beyond its own operational capacity. The airline operates approximately 95 daily scheduled flights to around 38 destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, using a fleet of 18 aircraft.
TAROM's recent history has been marked by significant financial challenges. The airline accumulated losses exceeding EUR 35 million annually in 2018-2019, with pandemic-era losses exceeding EUR 80 million. In 2024, the European Commission approved EUR 95.3 million in restructuring state aid, subject to strict conditions including workforce reduction, route consolidation, and fleet modernization. The airline posted a gross profit of approximately EUR 60 million for 2024, its first major profitable result in years. However, 2025 projections show a sharp decline to roughly EUR 500,000 in net profit as the restructuring continues.
Management stability has been a persistent issue. In the five years leading up to mid-2024, TAROM went through 19 different general managers, many of whom had no aviation background. The most recent CEO, Costin Iordache, resigned in December 2025 after nearly two years of implementing the restructuring plan. Despite these governance challenges, TAROM retains its importance as Romania's national carrier, performing humanitarian evacuation flights and maintaining critical domestic connectivity to smaller Romanian cities like Iasi, Suceava, Cluj-Napoca, and Sibiu.
Fleet Composition & Type Ratings
TAROM operates a mixed fleet of Boeing narrowbody jets and ATR turboprops. The airline does not operate any widebody aircraft, meaning there are no long-haul intercontinental routes flown on TAROM metal. All operations are short- and medium-haul within Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The fleet is currently undergoing a gradual renewal, with Boeing 737 MAX 8 deliveries expected from mid-2026 onwards to replace the ageing 737-700 fleet.
| Aircraft Type | Role | In Service | Routes / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-800 | Narrowbody | 4 | Medium-haul European routes: Amsterdam, Madrid, Paris CDG, Frankfurt. 160-189 pax config. |
| Boeing 737-700 | Narrowbody | 4 | European short/medium-haul. 116-154 pax. Avg. age ~21 years. Being replaced by 737 MAX 8. |
| ATR 72-600 | Turboprop | 4 | Domestic and short European routes. 72 pax. Modern fleet (avg. ~4 years old). |
| ATR 72-500 | Turboprop | 2 | Domestic feeders and short European hops. 68 pax. Avg. age ~14.5 years. |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Narrowbody (order) | 0 (on order) | 5 ordered + 2 on lease from CDB Aviation. Delivery expected from ~June 2026. |
Fleet data as of early 2026. Numbers are approximate and subject to change with ongoing deliveries and retirements. Sources: TAROM official fleet page, Planespotters.net, ch-aviation.
The fleet modernization plan has been turbulent. TAROM originally contracted for five Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in 2018, with deliveries planned from 2023. Following the global MAX grounding and the airline's financial restructuring, the shareholder meeting in September 2025 approved abandoning purchase plans for four of the five aircraft. Instead, TAROM signed leasing contracts through CDB Aviation for two Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with delivery now expected around June 2026. Additionally, two 737-8 aircraft are expected on lease from Avolon, and one direct Boeing order remains active.
The ATR turboprop fleet was refreshed between 2019 and 2020 with the delivery of ATR 72-600 aircraft, replacing older ATR 42-500 models. These modern turboprops are essential for TAROM's domestic network, connecting smaller Romanian airports like Suceava, Satu Mare, and Oradea where jet economics are not viable. The ATR 72-600 offers a maximum cruise range of 1,020 km with 72 passengers, making it well-suited for intra-Romanian and short European connections.
New pilots at TAROM are typically assigned to either the Boeing 737 fleet (737-700/800) or the ATR 72 fleet. TAROM's Training Centre, located at Henri Coanda Airport, offers type rating courses for both the Boeing 737 family and the ATR 42/72 series. Difference training between 737 variants is available in-house. Once the 737 MAX 8 enters service, current 737 pilots will transition through a difference course. TAROM does not currently operate a cadet programme, so most pilots join with existing type ratings or complete training through the TAROM Training Centre at their own cost or under mentoring arrangements through FlyBy Aviation Academy.
Pilot Salary & Compensation Breakdown
TAROM pilot compensation is among the lowest of any flag carrier in the European Union. Salaries are structured around a base monthly pay supplemented by flight hour pay, per diem allowances for international flights, and various bonuses. The July 2024 pilot strike and subsequent negotiations brought compensation into sharp public focus, resulting in a EUR 1,500 salary increase for pilots and improved per diem rates. Despite these improvements, TAROM pay remains significantly below Western European standards and even below some Eastern European competitors like LOT Polish Airlines.
Specific pay scales are not publicly disclosed by TAROM. The figures below are compiled from pilot forum reports, industry databases (PilotJobsNetwork, ERI Economic Research Institute), and information disclosed during the 2024 labor dispute. Romania's average airline pilot salary is approximately EUR 32,300 per year according to industry surveys, rising to around EUR 40,000 for pilots with over 8 years of experience. TAROM pilots, as flag carrier crew, are believed to earn somewhat above these national averages.
Estimated First Officer (F/O) Pay
| Seniority | Estimated Monthly Gross | Estimated Annual Gross | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (entry) | ~EUR 2,000 - 2,500 | ~EUR 25,000 - 30,000 | Base + flight hour pay. ATR fleet likely lower end. |
| Year 3-5 | ~EUR 2,500 - 3,200 | ~EUR 30,000 - 38,000 | 737 fleet. Includes per diems on international flights. |
| Year 7-10 (senior F/O) | ~EUR 3,200 - 4,000 | ~EUR 38,000 - 48,000 | 737-800 fleet. Higher per diems post-2024 agreement. |
Estimated Captain Pay
| Seniority | Estimated Monthly Gross | Estimated Annual Gross | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Captain (ATR) | ~EUR 4,000 - 5,000 | ~EUR 48,000 - 60,000 | Turboprop command. Domestic routes. |
| Captain (737, 5+ yrs) | ~EUR 5,500 - 7,000 | ~EUR 65,000 - 85,000 | 737-800 medium-haul. Includes EUR 240/day intl. per diem. |
| Senior Captain (737) | ~EUR 7,000 - 8,500 | ~EUR 85,000 - 100,000 | Most experienced 737 commanders. Top of TAROM scale. |
All figures are estimates based on available public data, pilot reports, and industry benchmarks. Actual compensation depends on current collective agreements, flight hours, and fleet assignment.
Per Diem Allowances (post-July 2024 agreement)
| Category | International Per Diem | Domestic Per Diem |
|---|---|---|
| Captain (PIC) | EUR 240/day | ~EUR 8/day |
| First Officer | EUR 200/day | ~EUR 8/day |
These salary estimates carry significant uncertainty. TAROM does not publicly disclose pilot pay scales, and the figures above are reconstructed from limited public sources. Romanian income tax is a flat 10%, and social contributions add approximately 35% to employer costs but are deducted at source (roughly 25% from gross for the employee). The cost of living in Bucharest is considerably lower than in Western European capitals, which partially offsets the lower gross salaries. However, the 2024 pilot strike made clear that compensation remained a major source of dissatisfaction, with the SPLR union arguing that TAROM's low wages drove trained pilots to leave for better-paying carriers. Always verify current figures directly with the airline or the SPLR union before making career decisions.
Roster Pattern & Quality of Life
TAROM operates under EASA Flight Time Limitation (FTL) regulations, which set maximum flight duty periods, minimum rest requirements, and cumulative flight hour limits across 28-day, 90-day, and 365-day windows. As an EU operator based in Romania, the airline must comply fully with these regulations, overseen by the Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority (AACR).
Specific roster details for TAROM are not publicly disclosed. The airline operates a hub-and-spoke system from Bucharest OTP, with all pilots based at Henri Coanda Airport. There is no base bidding system, as Bucharest is the sole operating base. Domestic ATR operations involve mostly day-return trips to cities like Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, and Timisoara, while medium-haul 737 flights to destinations such as Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, and Madrid may involve short night stops or same-day returns depending on scheduling.
📅 Estimated Sample Month: Boeing 737 First Officer (OTP)
As a relatively small fleet operator with around 95 daily flights, TAROM pilots can expect a fairly intensive roster during peak travel periods. Typical block hours are estimated at 65-80 hours per month, consistent with EASA FTL limits (maximum 900 block hours per calendar year, 100 hours in any 28 consecutive days). The airline's network is predominantly short-haul, meaning multiple sector days are common, particularly on the ATR fleet serving domestic routes.
All TAROM pilots are based at Bucharest Henri Coanda Airport (OTP). The cost of living in Bucharest is among the lowest of any EU capital, with average monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre around EUR 500-700. This affordability partially compensates for lower salaries compared to Western European carriers. The airport is located about 17 km north of central Bucharest, well connected by road and the Express Bus 783. Romania's flat 10% income tax rate is also a meaningful advantage for take-home pay compared to higher-tax Western European countries.
Benefits, Travel Perks & Employment Terms
As a state-owned enterprise, TAROM provides benefits in line with Romanian labor law and public sector employment standards. The benefits package is modest compared to major Western European flag carriers but includes some meaningful perks, particularly through the SkyTeam alliance travel benefits.
One of the most tangible benefits of flying for TAROM is access to the SkyTeam alliance staff travel program. This provides discounted or standby travel across all 19 SkyTeam members, including Air France, KLM, Delta, Korean Air, and many others. For pilots based in Bucharest with relatively modest salaries, the ability to travel globally at reduced fares represents significant value. The Flying Blue loyalty program allows TAROM employees to accumulate miles across the entire alliance network.
Career Progression & Seniority
Career progression at TAROM follows a seniority-based system, though detailed information about specific upgrade timelines and fleet transition procedures is not publicly available. The airline's small fleet size (18 aircraft, split between Boeing 737 jets and ATR turboprops) naturally limits the number of command positions and transition opportunities compared to larger carriers.
With the airline undergoing significant restructuring, including workforce reductions mandated by the European Commission, career advancement prospects remain uncertain. The Transport Minister noted in 2024 that TAROM's staffing of 1,200 employees was approximately 50% above the level justified by the airline's volume of activity. This overstaffing situation, combined with the small fleet, means that upgrade opportunities may be limited in the near term. However, as the 737 MAX 8 enters service from mid-2026 and the fleet potentially grows, new positions could open up.
| Career Milestone | Estimated Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Join as F/O (ATR 72 or B737) | Day 1 | Fleet assignment based on airline needs and pilot qualifications. |
| Transition ATR to B737 F/O | 3-7 years (estimated) | Subject to seniority and vacancies. Requires B737 type rating. |
| Captain upgrade (ATR) | 5-10 years (estimated) | Command assessment required. Small fleet limits positions. |
| Captain upgrade (B737) | 10-15+ years (estimated) | Highly seniority-dependent. Few positions in a small fleet. |
| Training Captain / TRI / TRE | Variable | Requires instructor qualifications. TAROM Training Centre roles. |
The SPLR pilot union highlighted during the 2024 dispute that trained TAROM pilots frequently leave for better-compensated positions at other airlines. This "brain drain" means that TAROM invests in pilot training only to see qualified crew depart. For pilots considering TAROM, this creates an ironic dynamic: while the airline offers a relatively stable state-backed employer, the low compensation means many treat it as a stepping stone rather than a career destination. Pilots who do stay and build seniority may benefit from reduced competition for command positions, but at the cost of significantly lower lifetime earnings compared to peers at Western European carriers.
Recruitment Process & Requirements
TAROM recruits pilots on an as-needed basis rather than through regular annual campaigns. The airline does not currently operate a formal ab-initio cadet programme comparable to those at Air France or Lufthansa. Recruitment information is posted on the TAROM careers page and applications are submitted via email to cariera@tarom.ro. The airline also partners with FlyBy Aviation Academy for a mentoring programme that accepts pilots of all nationalities.
Pilot Requirements
Selection Process
Application Submission
Submit CV and letter of intent to cariera@tarom.ro when positions are advertised on the TAROM careers page. Include copies of licenses, medical certificate, and flight hour log summary.
Document Review & Shortlisting
TAROM HR reviews applications against the specific vacancy requirements. Shortlisted candidates are contacted for interview scheduling.
Interview & Technical Assessment
In-person interview at TAROM headquarters, Henri Coanda Airport. Includes theoretical knowledge assessment and practical evaluation of professional competencies.
Simulator Check (if applicable)
For experienced pilots, a simulator session may be required on the relevant type (B737 or ATR). Conducted at the TAROM Training Centre.
Medical Verification & Contract
Valid EASA Class 1 medical confirmed. Employment contract issued. Type rating training begins if not already held.
TAROM partners with FlyBy Aviation Academy for a mentoring programme that accepts pilots of all nationalities, provided they hold ICAO English Level 4, 5, or 6. This represents a pathway into TAROM for non-Romanian pilots, though Romanian language ability remains a significant operational advantage. The programme provides structured support for candidates preparing for TAROM's selection process. Details are available on the FlyBy website.
How TAROM Compares: Airline Radar Chart
How does TAROM stack up against two comparable Eastern European flag carriers: LOT Polish Airlines and Bulgaria Air? Below is a comparative analysis across five key metrics. LOT represents the "success story" of Eastern European state-owned airlines, having achieved profitability and major fleet expansion, while Bulgaria Air is a smaller carrier facing similar challenges to TAROM. Scores are editorial estimates based on publicly available data and industry benchmarks.
Key Takeaways from the Comparison
LOT Polish Airlines dominates across all metrics. With a fleet of 86 aircraft (vs. TAROM's 18), 10.7 million passengers in 2024, an 8.1% operating margin, and service to 97 destinations across three continents, LOT demonstrates what a well-managed Eastern European state carrier can achieve. LOT Captains earn an estimated EUR 80,000-100,000 annually, significantly above TAROM levels. The airline was ranked Europe's fourth most punctual airline in 2023 and operates widebody aircraft (Boeing 787 Dreamliner) on long-haul routes to North America and Asia.
TAROM and Bulgaria Air occupy similar territory. Both are small state-influenced carriers struggling with financial challenges, fleet limitations, and pilot retention. Bulgaria Air operates an even smaller fleet and has attracted criticism on pilot forums for its working conditions. Neither carrier offers the long-haul flying, fleet diversity, or compensation levels that define major European operators.
TAROM's SkyTeam membership is its standout advantage. Neither LOT (Star Alliance) nor Bulgaria Air (no major alliance) shares TAROM's specific alliance affiliation, though LOT's Star Alliance membership offers comparable network reach. For pilots who value staff travel across the Air France-KLM network, TAROM's SkyTeam connection is a tangible differentiator.
Job security varies significantly. LOT's consistent profitability and growth trajectory provide strong job security. TAROM's ongoing EU-mandated restructuring creates uncertainty, with planned workforce reductions and potential further route cuts. Bulgaria Air's small scale and opaque governance make job security equally uncertain.
Scores are editorial estimates based on publicly available salary data, pilot forum discussions, airline financial reports, fleet data, and industry benchmarks. They represent a general assessment for a pilot evaluating long-term career prospects. Individual experiences vary based on seniority, fleet assignment, and personal priorities. LOT and Bulgaria Air scores will be updated when dedicated guides are published for those carriers.
Union & Industrial Relations
TAROM pilots are represented by the SPLR (Sindicatul Personalului de Linie Romane), the union that led the significant July 2024 industrial action. The union has been vocal about pilot compensation, working conditions, and management governance, arguing that TAROM's below-market pay drives trained pilots to leave for competing airlines.
The July 2024 Pilot Strike
On July 8, 2024, numerous TAROM pilots declared themselves "unfit for work" under EASA regulations permitting flight duty refusal for up to 48 hours. This coordinated action resulted in the cancellation of dozens of flights from Bucharest, costing the airline approximately EUR 2.5 million in a single day. The disruption was severe enough that Romanian government officials scheduled to attend a NATO summit were unable to fly on TAROM.
The SPLR union's core demands included a 40% wage increase, citing TAROM's compensation as uncompetitive within the region. Former TAROM pilot Cezar Osiceanu publicly criticized the airline's management instability, noting that the company had cycled through 19 general managers in five years, most with no aviation experience. Beyond pay, pilots also raised flight safety concerns linked to the airline's operational dysfunction.
Recent Strike History & Negotiations
The 2024 strike demonstrated that TAROM pilots are willing to take industrial action when conditions deteriorate. The relatively quick resolution (one day of action, settlement the following day) suggests that the airline and government recognize the urgency of addressing pilot concerns. However, the modest scale of the settlement (EUR 1,500 increase against a demand for 40%) indicates that financial constraints limit management's ability to offer competitive terms. The SPLR union remains active and engaged, which is positive for collective bargaining, but the fundamental tension between the airline's restructuring requirements and pilot compensation expectations is unlikely to be fully resolved in the near term.
Verdict: Who Is TAROM For?
🎯 Our Take
TAROM is a challenging proposition for career-minded pilots. Romania's flag carrier offers the prestige of a SkyTeam alliance member, state-backed employment stability (as long as the restructuring succeeds), a low cost of living in Bucharest, and access to excellent staff travel across the Air France-KLM network. For Romanian pilots in particular, it represents the most direct path to flying for the national carrier with a seniority-based career path.
The trade-offs are significant: pilot salaries are among the lowest of any EU flag carrier, the fleet is small and ageing (with modernization delayed), management instability has plagued the airline for years, and the ongoing EU-mandated restructuring creates genuine uncertainty about the airline's long-term future. The 2024 pilot strike underscored that trained pilots frequently leave for better-paying carriers, creating a revolving-door dynamic that undermines institutional knowledge and operational stability.
For pilots with long-term career ambitions and the ability to relocate to a Western European or Gulf carrier, TAROM may serve best as an early-career employer providing valuable line flying experience. For Romanian pilots committed to staying in their home country, TAROM offers a unique combination of flag carrier status and government-backed employment that no other Romanian airline can match.
1 Do I need to speak Romanian to fly for TAROM?
Historically, TAROM has only employed Romanian-speaking pilots. However, recent partnerships with FlyBy Aviation Academy suggest the airline is opening up to non-Romanian speakers, at least through its mentoring programme. For operational positions, Romanian language ability remains a very significant advantage, as internal communications, briefings, and company culture are conducted in Romanian. Non-Romanian EU pilots may be considered, but fluency or at least working proficiency in Romanian is strongly recommended.
2 Does TAROM pay for type rating training?
TAROM's Training Centre offers type rating courses for the Boeing 737 and ATR 72 families, but it is not confirmed whether these are fully funded for new hires. Some type rating courses may be available at pilot expense through the TAROM Training Centre. The FlyBy Aviation Academy mentoring programme provides a structured pathway, but training costs may be partially or fully borne by the candidate. Always confirm the current policy directly with TAROM recruitment (cariera@tarom.ro) before applying.
3 How does TAROM pilot pay compare to Wizz Air or Ryanair in Romania?
Low-cost carriers like Wizz Air (which has a major base in Bucharest) typically offer higher gross salaries than TAROM, particularly for experienced Captains. However, LCC rosters tend to be more intensive with higher sector counts, and the roster stability and quality of life may differ. TAROM offers SkyTeam staff travel, state employment protections, and the prestige of flag carrier flying, which some pilots value. The salary gap was a primary driver of the 2024 pilot strike, with the SPLR union explicitly citing that TAROM-trained pilots were leaving for better-compensated positions at competing airlines.
4 Is TAROM financially stable?
TAROM achieved profitability in 2024 for the first time in years, reporting approximately EUR 60 million in gross profit. However, the airline is operating under a European Commission-approved restructuring plan backed by EUR 95.3 million in state aid. The 2025 forecast projects much lower profitability (~EUR 500,000). The airline's long-term viability depends on successful fleet modernization, continued government support, and achieving sustainable unit costs. The recent CEO resignation in December 2025 adds to governance uncertainty. TAROM is unlikely to cease operations entirely given government ownership, but further downsizing or restructuring changes remain possible.
5 Can non-EU citizens apply to fly for TAROM?
TAROM's FlyBy Academy partnership accepts pilots of all nationalities for its mentoring programme. However, for direct employment, EU/EEA citizenship or valid EU work authorization is likely required, consistent with Romanian labor law for state-owned enterprises. Non-EU pilots should contact TAROM directly (cariera@tarom.ro) to confirm current eligibility requirements.
6 What happened during the 2024 TAROM pilot strike?
On July 8, 2024, TAROM pilots conducted a coordinated "unfit for work" action, cancelling dozens of flights and costing the airline approximately EUR 2.5 million. The SPLR union demanded a 40% wage increase, citing below-market pay and pilot retention problems. By July 9, a settlement was reached providing a EUR 1,500 salary increase and improved per diem rates (EUR 240/day for Captains, EUR 200/day for First Officers on international flights). The airline resumed normal operations the following day.
7 Does TAROM fly long-haul routes?
No, TAROM does not currently operate any long-haul routes on its own aircraft. The airline's fleet consists entirely of Boeing 737 narrowbody jets and ATR 72 turboprops, limiting operations to short- and medium-haul European, North African, and Middle Eastern destinations. TAROM historically operated transatlantic flights to New York (JFK) with widebody aircraft, but this service was discontinued years ago. Transatlantic connectivity is now offered through code-share partnerships with Air Europa and ITA Airways via Madrid or Rome.
8 When will the Boeing 737 MAX 8 enter TAROM service?
TAROM expects its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 deliveries around June 2026, with two aircraft on lease from CDB Aviation. Additional 737-8 aircraft are expected from Avolon, and one direct Boeing order remains active. The MAX 8 will replace the ageing Boeing 737-700 fleet and is planned for routes to Amsterdam, Paris CDG, Frankfurt, Madrid, Athens, and selected domestic services from Bucharest. Exact delivery dates remain subject to change, as initial deliveries scheduled for late 2025 were delayed.
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 TAROM pilot careers:
For the most current information on TAROM pilot vacancies and selection processes, monitor the official TAROM careers page regularly and consider submitting a speculative application to cariera@tarom.ro even when no positions are advertised. TAROM's small size means vacancies may appear at short notice. Romanian aviation forums and the PPRuNe TAROM thread are also useful for firsthand pilot perspectives on current conditions.
