TUI fly Belgium Overview & Company Profile
TUI fly Belgium, legally incorporated as TUI Airlines Belgium NV and formerly branded Jetairfly, is Belgium's leading leisure airline. Headquartered at Brussels Airport (Zaventem), the airline is a subsidiary of the TUI Group, the world's largest integrated tourism company with over 65,000 employees, more than 150 aircraft, 400+ hotels, and 15 cruise liners worldwide. TUI fly Belgium is part of the TUI Aviation division alongside sister carriers TUI fly Deutschland, TUI fly Netherlands, TUI Airways (UK), and TUI fly Nordic (Sweden).
The airline was founded as Sunrise in 2002 and re-established as TUI Airlines Belgium on 13 November 2003, initially to serve as the home carrier for tour operator Jetair. After charter airline Sobelair ceased operations, TUI Airlines Belgium expanded rapidly. In 2005, the airline was rebranded as Jetairfly, and in 2012 it absorbed Moroccan low-cost subsidiary Jet4you while transitioning from pure charter to full scheduled operations. The airline adopted its current TUI fly Belgium identity in October 2016 as part of the TUI Group's unified branding strategy.
TUI fly Belgium operates a network of approximately 180 routes to more than 100 airports, primarily serving leisure destinations across the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, North Africa, and the Caribbean. In February 2025, the airline announced the termination of all long-haul operations, phasing out its sole remaining Boeing 787-8 by November 2025, citing that such a small widebody fleet was no longer commercially viable. Since then, TUI fly Belgium has focused exclusively on short- and medium-haul operations using its all-Boeing 737 fleet.
TUI fly Belgium and TUI fly Netherlands operate a shared fleet under TUI Benelux, meaning aircraft based in Belgium may also fly Dutch routes and vice versa. This integrated approach allows the group to deploy its fleet flexibly across more than 100 destinations throughout the year, adjusting capacity to match seasonal tourism demand.
Fleet Composition & Type Ratings
TUI fly Belgium operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet, making it one of the simplest single-type operations in Belgium. The airline is in the midst of a significant fleet renewal, systematically replacing its older Boeing 737-800NG aircraft with the latest-generation Boeing 737 MAX 8 (officially designated Boeing 737-8). As of January 2026, the Belgian fleet counts approximately 22 aircraft, with nine Boeing 737 MAX 8s delivered and the remainder consisting of 737-800s being progressively phased out.
TUI fly Belgium holds the distinction of being the first airline within the entire TUI Group to operate the Boeing 737 MAX, receiving its first delivery directly from Boeing's Everett facility in January 2018. The airline was also the first European carrier to resume commercial 737 MAX flights in February 2021 following the global grounding. The ninth MAX 8 was delivered in January 2026, and further deliveries are expected as TUI Group continues to draw down its order book of 70 737 MAX aircraft (including 28 MAX 10 variants) for the group.
| Aircraft Type | Role | In Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Short/Medium-haul | 9 | 189 seats (all-economy). 14% less fuel and CO2 vs 737NG. 40% quieter. Fleet backbone by 2028. |
| Boeing 737-800 | Short/Medium-haul | ~13 | 189 seats. Being progressively replaced by MAX 8 deliveries. Workhorse of Mediterranean routes. |
Fleet data as of January 2026. TUI fly Belgium and TUI fly Netherlands share aircraft under TUI Benelux, so the exact Belgian-registered count fluctuates.
Previously, TUI fly Belgium also operated Embraer E190s (introduced in 2013 as a first for leisure airlines worldwide) and a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (introduced in December 2013, making it the first Belgian airline to fly the type). The 787-8 was used for long-haul leisure routes to the Caribbean, Cape Verde, and other distant destinations. However, with TUI Group consolidating its long-haul operations, the last 787-8 was phased out in late 2025. The Embraer E190s have also left the fleet.
All pilots at TUI fly Belgium fly the Boeing 737 exclusively. This single-type operation simplifies training and career management. New First Officers joining through either the MPL Cadet Programme or direct entry will be type-rated on the Boeing 737. TUI covers the type rating cost for pilots recruited through their official selection processes. The 737 MAX 8 and 737-800 share a common type rating, meaning pilots can operate both variants seamlessly. As deliveries continue, expect the fleet to become fully MAX by approximately 2028-2029.
Pilot Salary & Compensation Breakdown
TUI fly Belgium pilot salaries are governed by Belgian employment law and the company's internal pay agreements. Belgium ranks second among 17 European countries for average pilot salaries, according to ERI data from 2025, with an average of approximately €110,000 per year. TUI fly Belgium compensation sits within the mid-range of the Belgian market, competitive for a leisure carrier but generally below legacy airline levels (Brussels Airlines long-haul, for example). Compensation includes a base salary, flight-hour pay, per diem allowances for overnights, and seasonal supplements during peak summer operations.
First Officer (F/O) Pay Scale
| Seniority | Monthly Gross (est.) | Annual Gross (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (MPL Cadet, post-training) | €3,500 - €4,200 | ~€42,000 - €50,000 | Training cost deductions may apply for MPL cadets (€54,000 over instalments) |
| Year 2-4 (Junior F/O) | €4,500 - €5,500 | ~€55,000 - €68,000 | Includes block-hour pay and basic per diems |
| Year 5-8 (Mid-Level F/O) | €5,500 - €7,000 | ~€68,000 - €85,000 | Higher earning potential during peak summer season |
| Senior F/O (8+ years) | €7,000 - €8,500 | ~€85,000 - €105,000 | Top of F/O scale. Eligible for upgrade consideration. |
Captain Pay Scale
| Seniority | Monthly Gross (est.) | Annual Gross (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Captain | €9,000 - €11,000 | ~€110,000 - €135,000 | Post-command course. B737 single-type. |
| Captain, 5+ years | €11,000 - €13,000 | ~€135,000 - €160,000 | Includes all allowances and per diems |
| Senior Captain (10+ years) | €13,000 - €15,000 | ~€160,000 - €185,000 | Training Captain / TRI / TRE roles may command premiums |
Figures are gross annual estimates including base salary, flight pay, and standard allowances. Belgian income tax is progressive (up to ~50%) and social security contributions (~13.07% employee side) significantly reduce take-home pay.
TUI fly Belgium does not publicly disclose its pilot pay scales. These estimates are compiled from Belgian market salary data (ERI, Glassdoor), pilot forums, TUI Group MPL programme documentation, and industry benchmarking. The TUI UK MPL Second Officer salary is documented at £68,459 (~€80,000) gross annually; Belgian figures may differ due to different tax structures and collective agreements. Belgium's high social charges mean that gross-to-net ratios are among the lowest in Europe. Always verify current compensation directly with TUI fly Belgium's recruitment team or through BeCA (Belgian Cockpit Association) contacts.
Roster Pattern & Quality of Life
TUI fly Belgium operates primarily as a leisure and tour operator airline, which creates a distinctive roster pattern compared to legacy or low-cost carriers. The airline's schedule is heavily seasonal: summer (April through October) is the peak season with maximum utilisation, while winter sees reduced operations and lower block hours. This seasonality is a defining feature of working at TUI fly Belgium and directly impacts roster patterns, income, and quality of life.
During peak summer, pilots can expect a demanding schedule with 5-on/2-off or 5-on/3-off patterns being common, with early starts, late finishes, and turnaround flights to Mediterranean resorts. Block hours during summer months can reach 80-90 hours per month. In winter, the pace slows considerably, with fewer flights and more days off. Annual block hours typically fall in the 700-800 hour range, in line with EASA Flight Time Limitations.
📅 Sample Month (Peak Summer) - First Officer (BRU)
Most flights are day returns or short overnights at Mediterranean resort destinations. Typical sector lengths range from 2 to 5 hours (Spain, Greece, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Canary Islands). Unlike long-haul operations, there are no extended layovers. Nightstops, when they occur, are typically at resort hotels contracted by TUI. The per diems for overnights supplement the base salary.
TUI fly Belgium's primary base is Brussels Airport (BRU), with secondary operations from Liege (LGG), Ostend-Bruges (OST), and Antwerp (ANR). Some flights also operate from Lille (France) and Moroccan bases (Casablanca and Marrakesh). Unlike airlines with a single-base system, the multi-base structure offers some geographic flexibility for pilots living in different parts of Belgium or northern France. Living costs in Brussels are moderate compared to other Western European capitals, and Belgium's excellent rail and motorway network makes commuting feasible from most parts of the country.
Benefits, Travel Perks & Retirement
As a Belgian employer, TUI fly Belgium is subject to Belgium's comprehensive social security system and labour regulations, which provide a strong foundation of statutory benefits. On top of this, TUI Group offers its own perks, particularly in the area of travel discounts. The benefits package, while not as rich as legacy carriers like Brussels Airlines, is solid for a leisure airline and compares favourably with low-cost operators.
Belgium's social security system is among the most comprehensive in Europe, covering healthcare, pensions, unemployment, disability, and family benefits. However, this comes at a cost: employer social charges add approximately 25-30% on top of gross salary, and employee contributions are approximately 13.07%. Combined with progressive income tax rates reaching 50% on income above ~€46,000, Belgium has one of the highest total tax burdens in Europe. The upside is robust protection: if you lose your job, become ill, or retire, the safety net is strong. For pilots, this means lower take-home pay compared to countries like the UK or Ireland, but significantly better social protection.
Career Progression & Seniority
Career progression at TUI fly Belgium follows a seniority-based system typical of European airlines. The airline operates a single fleet type (Boeing 737), which simplifies the career ladder but also means there are no fleet transitions to aspire to within the company. Progression from First Officer to Captain depends on seniority, company need, and successful completion of the command course. TUI fly Belgium does recruit direct-entry Captains when operational demand requires it, which is a notable difference from airlines with strictly internal-only upgrade policies.
The TUI Aviation group structure also opens up cross-airline opportunities. Pilots at TUI fly Belgium may, in certain circumstances, transfer to sister airlines (TUI fly Netherlands, TUI fly Deutschland, TUI Airways UK, TUI fly Nordic), although seniority portability between airlines is not guaranteed and depends on group policies at the time.
| Career Milestone | Typical Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MPL Cadet training | 19 months | €54,000 cost (Belgium programme). Includes ATPL theory, basic flying (Robin DR401), simulator, and line training. |
| Join as Second Officer / Junior F/O | Post-training | 8-month initial contract (summer season) with possibility of extension. B737 type. |
| Permanent contract (F/O) | 1-3 years | Subject to individual performance and operational demand. Not guaranteed from MPL. |
| Senior First Officer | 5-8 years | Experienced F/O. May take on additional roles (line training, safety). |
| Captain upgrade | 8-15 years | Command assessment: interview + simulator check. Faster than legacy carriers due to smaller pilot group. |
| Training Captain / TRE / TRI | Variable | Requires separate selection. Instructor roles available within TUI Aviation training department. |
TUI fly Belgium has been actively recruiting pilots in recent years, driven by post-COVID recovery and fleet renewal. The MPL Cadet Programme for Belgium was run in 2024 (with 2025 applications closed), offering a structured pathway for candidates with little or no flying experience. However, TUI UK announced it would not run its 2026 MPL intake, suggesting that group-wide recruitment may fluctuate based on demand. For experienced pilots, TUI fly Belgium periodically advertises B737-rated First Officer and Captain positions, including seasonal contracts for the summer peak period. The shared TUI Benelux fleet model means recruitment may also cover positions effectively serving Dutch operations.
Recruitment Process & Requirements
TUI fly Belgium recruits pilots through two main pathways: the MPL Cadet Programme (for candidates with little or no flying experience) and Direct Entry (for experienced pilots with an existing ATPL/CPL and type rating or relevant experience). Both pathways lead to a position as First Officer on the Boeing 737. The Belgian MPL programme is one of the most structured cadet pathways available in the Belgian market.
MPL Cadet Programme (Belgium)
Direct Entry (Experienced Pilots)
MPL Selection Stages
Online Assessment
Remote tests including English proficiency (speaking, listening, writing), verbal reasoning, logical reasoning, and numerical reasoning. Completed online with a set deadline. Results used to screen candidates for the next phase.
Video Interview
A digital interview where candidates present themselves, discuss their motivation for becoming a pilot, and share their future goals. Must be completed within a specified timeframe after receiving the invitation.
Simulator Assessment
Held at CAE Brussels or Dusseldorf. A flying test on the B737 simulator where pilot aptitude is assessed. No previous flying experience is necessary. TUI's airline training teams evaluate hand-eye coordination, multitasking, and ability to follow instructions under pressure.
Assessment Centre
In-person event at TUI headquarters in Zaventem. Includes group exercises, individual interviews, and competency-based assessments. Focus on CRM skills, teamwork, resilience, and cultural fit with TUI values ("Trusted, Unique, Inspiring").
Medical & Contract Offer
Successful candidates must obtain a valid EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate before commencing training. Upon clearance, a training agreement and initial contract offer are issued. Training begins with Phase 1 (ATPL ground school) delivered via remote and virtual classroom learning from TUI's Zaventem HQ.
The TUI fly Belgium MPL programme costs €54,000, which the cadet must finance. This is significantly cheaper than a full integrated ATPL (typically €70,000-€150,000 in Belgium, according to BeCA), but the trade-off is that an MPL is airline-specific. If TUI chooses not to extend your contract after the initial 8-month period, converting an MPL to a standalone license usable at other airlines requires additional hours and steps. The 2024 Belgian programme applications are closed, with potential reopening in 2025 or beyond depending on TUI's pilot demand forecasts. For experienced pilots, TUI Careers Benelux is the portal to monitor for direct-entry positions.
How TUI fly Belgium Compares: Airline Radar Chart
How does TUI fly Belgium stack up against the two other major pilot employers in Belgium: Brussels Airlines (legacy carrier, Lufthansa Group subsidiary) and Ryanair (Europe's largest low-cost carrier, with a significant Belgian-based pilot operation)? Below is a comparative analysis across five key metrics.
Key Takeaways from the Comparison
Brussels Airlines leads on salary and benefits. As a Lufthansa Group legacy carrier operating both short-haul (A320 family) and long-haul (A330) from Brussels, Brussels Airlines offers the highest earning potential in the Belgian market, particularly for long-haul Captains. Benefits are also stronger, including better pension contributions and a more established collective agreement. However, roster patterns can be challenging, with 5/2 or 7/3 patterns and limited weekend flexibility reported by pilots.
TUI fly Belgium offers the best work-life balance among the three. The seasonal nature of leisure flying means quieter winters with more time off, and the multi-base structure provides some geographic flexibility. The single fleet type (B737) keeps training simple. The trade-off is lower overall compensation and the inherent seasonality risk, including the use of seasonal contracts.
Ryanair offers strong job security and competitive pay, but demanding conditions. As Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers, Ryanair's Belgian-based operation offers significant fleet exposure and rapid career advancement. Captain pay at Ryanair can reach up to €180,000 per year. However, pilot reports consistently cite demanding rosters, a high-pressure operational culture, and less generous benefits compared to legacy or leisure carriers. Ryanair does not operate from as many Belgian bases as TUI fly.
Fleet modernity is comparable. TUI fly Belgium's ongoing 737 MAX renewal gives it a young, fuel-efficient fleet. Brussels Airlines operates the A320neo family and A330s. Ryanair's 737-8200 (MAX variant) fleet is among the youngest in Europe. All three airlines are investing in next-generation aircraft.
Scores are editorial estimates based on publicly available salary data, pilot forums, union publications, airline press releases, and industry benchmarks (BeCA, ECA, Glassdoor, PilotJobsNetwork). They represent a general assessment for a mid-career pilot considering a position in Belgium. Individual experiences will vary based on seniority, contract type, and personal priorities. Scores will be updated as new data becomes available.
Union & Industrial Relations
The Belgian Cockpit Association (BeCA) is the sole recognised professional association representing airline pilots based in Belgium. Founded in 1999 through the merger of two predecessor organisations (BFCA and ABPNL), BeCA represents approximately 600 pilots across all major Belgian airlines, including TUI fly Belgium, Brussels Airlines, Ryanair, ASL Airlines Belgium, EAT/DHL, Challenge Airlines, and others. BeCA is self-funded and politically independent.
BeCA Structure & Representation
In addition to BeCA, Belgian pilots may also be represented by traditional Belgian trade unions such as ACV/CSC (Christian trade union), ABVV/FGTB (socialist trade union), or ACLVB/CGSLB (liberal trade union) for collective labour agreement purposes. These general unions have aviation-specific sections and play a role in formal social dialogue (sociaal overleg) within Belgian companies.
The TUI Pilot Group (TUI PG) is a cross-airline coordination body that brings together pilot representatives from all five TUI airlines. Topics discussed include common seniority lists, source-market protection (ensuring each national airline retains its home-market routes), flight time duty rule harmonisation, and salary benchmarking across the group. BeCA has encouraged TUI fly Belgium pilots to participate actively in these group-level discussions, particularly as TUI's "One Aviation" integration project continues to evolve.
TUI fly Belgium has had a relatively stable industrial relations history compared to some Belgian carriers. There have been no major pilot strikes in recent years. The main ongoing concerns within the TUI pilot community revolve around the group-wide "One Aviation" project and its implications for local seniority lists, base protection, and contractual conditions. BeCA's 2025 Safety Culture Survey, launched ten years after EU Regulation 376/2014 on occurrence reporting, represents the association's continued focus on safety culture and Just Culture implementation across Belgian airlines, including TUI fly. For new recruits, BeCA membership is optional but strongly recommended for access to legal support, safety resources, and industry networking.
Verdict: Who Is TUI fly Belgium For?
🎯 Our Take
TUI fly Belgium is a solid option for pilots seeking a career in Belgian aviation, particularly those attracted to the leisure and tourism sector. The airline offers a modern, single-type Boeing 737 fleet (including the latest MAX 8), multiple base options across Belgium, and the backing of the world's largest tourism group. The structured MPL Cadet Programme provides an accessible entry point for aspiring pilots at a lower cost than most integrated ATPL courses.
The trade-offs are real: compensation sits below legacy carrier levels, the strong seasonality means income and workload fluctuate significantly between summer and winter, and the initial MPL contract is only 8 months with no guarantee of extension. Belgian tax rates are among Europe's highest, further reducing take-home pay. The termination of long-haul operations in 2025 also means there is no widebody career path within TUI fly Belgium itself.
For pilots who value lifestyle flexibility, a young fleet, the security of a large parent company, and the unique character of leisure flying (holiday destinations, resort overnights, varied route network), TUI fly Belgium delivers a distinctive proposition in the Belgian market.
1 Do I need to speak Dutch or French to fly for TUI fly Belgium?
English is the primary operational language and is the only language formally tested during the MPL selection process. However, Belgium is a trilingual country (Dutch, French, German), and proficiency in Dutch or French is a significant advantage for integration into the company and crew culture. For a permanent contract, knowledge of at least one of Belgium's national languages may be expected or beneficial. Brussels Airlines, by comparison, typically requires two of Belgium's national languages for permanent employment.
2 Does TUI fly Belgium pay for the type rating?
For MPL cadets, the B737 type rating is included in the 19-month training programme (cost: €54,000 total). For direct-entry pilots recruited through official selection, TUI typically covers or co-funds the type rating for untapped candidates. However, seasonal contract pilots may be expected to hold an existing B737 type rating. Always confirm the current policy with the recruitment team, as it varies by campaign and contract type.
3 What happens after the 8-month MPL contract?
After the initial 8-month contract (covering the summer high season), extension depends on your individual performance, economic conditions, and TUI's operational need for pilots. If TUI does not extend the contract, you retain your MPL qualification, but converting it to a standalone license usable at other airlines requires accumulating additional flight hours. This is a key risk factor to weigh when choosing the MPL route versus a traditional integrated ATPL.
4 Can non-EU citizens apply to TUI fly Belgium?
TUI fly Belgium operates under a Belgian Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) and EU aviation regulations. While EU citizenship is strongly preferred (and required for the MPL programme), non-EU citizens with valid EASA licenses and the right to work in Belgium may be considered for direct-entry positions on a case-by-case basis. The practical reality is that EU citizens have a significant advantage in the Belgian aviation job market.
5 How seasonal is the work at TUI fly Belgium?
Very seasonal. TUI fly Belgium's schedule peaks dramatically from April to October, when European holidaymakers travel to Mediterranean, North African, and island destinations. Winter operations are significantly reduced. This means higher block hours and income in summer, lower in winter. Some pilots appreciate the winter downtime; others find the income variability challenging. Seasonal contract pilots may only work during the summer peak. TUI also uses wet-lease arrangements with partner airlines during peak periods to supplement capacity.
6 Are there long-haul opportunities at TUI fly Belgium?
No. As of late 2025, TUI fly Belgium has terminated all long-haul operations and phased out its sole Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The airline now operates exclusively short- and medium-haul routes with its Boeing 737 fleet. Pilots seeking widebody or long-haul experience would need to look at other TUI Group airlines (TUI fly Netherlands still operates 787s, and TUI Airways UK has a 787 fleet) or other Belgian carriers like Brussels Airlines (A330).
7 How does the TUI Benelux shared fleet work for pilots?
TUI fly Belgium and TUI fly Netherlands operate a shared fleet under TUI Benelux. This means aircraft registered in Belgium may fly Dutch routes and vice versa. For pilots, this primarily affects fleet allocation and potentially base assignments. Your employment contract remains with TUI Airlines Belgium NV, and your terms and conditions are governed by Belgian law and the Belgian collective framework. However, during operational disruptions or high-demand periods, flexibility across the Benelux operation may be required.
8 How does TUI fly Belgium pay compare to Brussels Airlines?
Brussels Airlines generally offers higher compensation, particularly for long-haul Captains on the A330 (where total packages can exceed €160,000-€200,000+ annually). For short-haul First Officers, the gap is narrower but still favours Brussels Airlines. TUI fly Belgium's compensation is more aligned with the leisure/charter airline segment. However, TUI fly Belgium may offer advantages in other areas: more base options, a simpler single-type fleet, and the seasonal lifestyle. Belgian tax treatment is identical regardless of employer.
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 TUI fly Belgium pilot careers:
Monitor the TUI Careers Benelux page regularly for updates on MPL intake reopening and direct-entry positions. TUI typically runs one cadet campaign per year, with applications opening in the first quarter. For industry news and networking, follow BeCA on LinkedIn and consider joining as a student or subscriber member even before your first airline job, as the association provides career guidance and connects you with working pilots at all Belgian airlines.
