Selection process · tests · interview · after-hire training
Iberia Express pilot assessment
Updated October 2026 · SET STANDARD
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Notify meAfter two frozen years, the September 2026 SEPLA agreement reopens growth at Iberia Express, making rated A320 First Officers the realistic entry route into its single Madrid base.
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Iberia Express is the low-cost airline of the Iberia Group within IAG, created in 2011 and flying since March 2012. From Madrid-Barajas it operates a hybrid model: point-to-point leisure routes to the Canary and Balearic Islands and Europe, while feeding Iberia's long-haul network. It is the leading low-cost carrier at Madrid-Barajas.
Key facts
| Fleet | 22 aircraft (Jul 2026): A320ceo and A321neo |
|---|---|
| Orders | No own orders; 6 extra aircraft allocated for 2028-30 under the Sept 2026 deal |
| Bases | Madrid-Barajas (MAD) only |
| Pilots | Headcount not published; 36 captain promotions unlocked in 2026 |
| Hiring 2026 | FO campaign reported Jul 2026; group plan for 80 new pilots to 2030 |
| Entry routes | Type-rated DE FO; Iberia Cadetes (group, no guaranteed Express slot) |
Entry routes and requirements
First Officer (A320 family, Madrid base)
Licensed pilots holding (or obtaining before the OCC) an A320 type rating
- EASA ATPL(A) or frozen ATPL with MCC
- A320 type rating before OCC start (reported, Jul 2026 campaign; self-funded)
- Class 1 medical
- Spanish ICAO Level 6 and English ICAO Level 4 minimum
Iberia Cadetes (group programme, FTEJerez)
University graduates with no ATPL exams taken
- See Iberia (ibe): 6th edition opened 23 Feb 2026, FTEJerez integrated ATPL, Iberia finances about 50% interest-free
Captain (internal upgrade)
Iberia Express First Officers
- Minimum 3,000 factored flight hours
- Open vacancy, favourable Operations report and performance score above 5 in the previous two years
- Command course and checks
The selection process, step by step
- Online applicationonline
Application through the Iberia Express employment portal with licence, logbook, medical, ELP certificates and type-rating evidence.
- Day 1 - written exam blocksin person (Madrid)
Reported: a first block with ATPL theory, A320 systems questions (if rated) and a logical-reasoning questionnaire; those who pass sit a written and listening English exam the same day.
- Day 2 - interviewsin person (Madrid)
Reported: interview with a psychologist, then an interview with the head of training or other senior company staff. Some third-party guides also mention an A320 simulator check; this is not confirmed.
Aptitude and psychometric tests
- ATPL technical knowledge
- aircraft (A320) knowledge
- logical reasoning
- English (written and listening)
The interview
Psychologist interview plus management/training interview (reported)
- personality
- motivation
- teamwork
Typical questions to prepare
- Why Iberia Express?
- Why not Iberia mainline or Vueling?
- What do you know about the 2026 pilot agreement?
- How does Iberia Express keep its punctuality record?
- Describe a conflict with a colleague and how you solved it.
- Tell me about a mistake you made.
The simulator assessment
| Device | Airbus A320 FFS (only if included in the campaign; not confirmed) |
|---|---|
| Where | Madrid area (Iberia Group training), reported |
| Typical profile | No simulator stage confirmed in official sources; one 2026 third-party guide lists an A320 FFS check, so rated candidates should be ready for one |
Language and after selection
Spanish ICAO 6 and English ICAO 4 minimum (reported); English tested in writing and listening.
6-month probation; Operator Conversion Course and line training on the A320 family; Madrid base. Company-funded courses carry a 2-year pro-rata repayment clause (II Convenio).
Common reasons candidates fail
- Weak ATPL theory breadth in Block 1 (eliminatory)
- Poor A320 systems knowledge despite holding the rating
- Falling at the English written or listening exam
- Inconsistent answers between psychologist and line interview
- Taking sides or showing frustration about the pilot dispute
Get the complete Iberia Express Assessment Guide
178 pages: company history and culture, every stage of the selection, model interview answers, technical refresher, Airbus A320 family systems and a simulator chapter for preparation where a sim stage applies (no simulator stage is consistently reported in Iberia Express selection). Updated for 2026.
Look inside the guideStatus: Preview · current to October 2026 · not on sale yet · join the waiting list
About this guide
- Format
- PDF (bookmarked, iPad-optimised)
- Language
- English
- Edition
- Ed 2026 · Revision 1.0
- Current to
- October 2026
- Pages
- 178
- Status
- Preview · not on sale yet
- Licence
- Personal, single user · see licence terms
- Updates
- Update policy to be announced before sales open
- Simulator stage
- Not consistently reported for this selection (see above)
Independent publication. Facts in this overview are labelled “reported” when they come from candidate reports rather than official sources — see the editorial standards. Notify me about this guide · See it in the catalogue
Practice questions: company knowledge
Interview practice drawn from public sources; the answers are not an FAQ about the guide.
When did Iberia Express start flying?
25 March 2012
Who is its parent airline and group?
Iberia, within IAG
What is its only base?
Madrid-Barajas (MAD)
Who is the CEO?
Carlos Gómez Suárez
Who was its first CEO?
Luis Gallego
Which aircraft types does it operate?
Airbus A320ceo and A321neo
Preparation guides
Other airline assessments
Main sources
https://www.pilotjobsnetwork.com/jobs/Iberia_Express
https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2024-8948
https://grupo.iberia.es/news/25092026/iberia-iberia-express-y-las-respectivas-secciones-sindicales-de-sepla-firman-un-nuevo-acuerdo-que-establece-el-marco-de-relacin-entre-ambas-compaas
https://www.merca2.es/2026/09/25/iberia-express-pilotos-acuerdo-flota-2461688/
https://grupo.iberia.es/news/23022026/iberia-lanza-la-sexta-edicin-del-programa-de-cadetes
SET STANDARD is an independent training publisher, not affiliated with Iberia Express. Information compiled from public sources and candidate reports; always confirm with the airline’s official careers page.