image: Embraer
The Brazilian aviation labor market is experiencing high-intensity movement with the opening of LATAM Airlines Brazil’s selection process for captains and first officers destined to operate its new Embraer E195-E2 fleet. The airline seeks to secure type-rated crews before the aircraft’s arrival, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, through a direct compensation strategy.
According to Aviacionline, applications have been open since Monday, December 15, and will run through January 4, 2026. The distinguishing feature of this recruitment drive is the financial incentive: the airline will pay a one-time hiring bonus of R$160,000 (approximately USD 27,000 at current exchange rates) for selected captains and R$80,000 for first officers.
The move aims to attract professionals who already hold a type rating for the E-Jet E2 family. In Brazil’s current landscape, this profile is found almost exclusively within the ranks of Azul Linhas Aéreas, which closed 2025 with approximately 38 units of the model in operation, and to a lesser extent at Placar Linhas Aéreas.
Industry estimates suggest the pool of type-rated pilots in Brazil hovers around 450 to 500 professionals, assuming standard crew ratios for high-density operations. By offering a higher salary floor and a substantial signing bonus to such a niche group, LATAM exerts direct pressure on its competitors, who may be forced to review their compensation schemes to retain critical talent.
Talent Acquisition Strategy
Jerome Cadier, CEO of LATAM Brazil, noted that the opening of these vacancies reinforces the company’s position as a market reference. The airline is the primary choice for those seeking to develop a solid career based on respect and transparency, the executive indicated, adding that the investment in the E2 expands opportunities to join a leading company growing sustainably.
The onboarding of selected professionals will begin in February 2026. For the position of E195-E2 Captain, a minimum experience of 5,000 flight hours in regular airlines (under RBAC 121 regulations) is required, of which 3,000 must be in jet aircraft and 500 as pilot in command on aircraft similar to or larger than the E2.
Meanwhile, aspiring First Officers must have 500 total hours, Commercial Pilot licenses, and instrument and multi-engine ratings. A mandatory requirement for both positions is holding a valid Embraer E1/E2 type rating with experience in the last three years.
This move aligns with the growth of LATAM’s workforce in Brazil, which has increased by 20% since 2023. The company projects operations in 63 Brazilian airports by 2026, consolidating its domestic network and international connectivity from its main hub and secondary bases.
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