Wizz Air: pilot interview prep

The essentials

Founder and CEO

József Váradi (founded 2003, first flight 19 May 2004 from Katowice)

Head office

Budapest, Hungary

Airlines (AOCs)

Wizz Air Hungary, Wizz Air UK, Wizz Air Malta

Fleet

262 aircraft at end of March 2026, all Airbus A320 family

Largest bases

Budapest, Bucharest, London Luton

The fleet

• Airbus A321neo (largest operator in the world)
• Airbus A320neo
• Airbus A320ceo and A321ceo (A321ceo retired by March 2029)
• A few A321XLR (order reduced)

Key dates

• 2003: founded by József Váradi, former CEO of Malév.
• 19 May 2004: first flight from Katowice, shortly after Poland joined the European Union.
• 2015: order for 110 Airbus A321neo.
• 2022: Wizz Air Malta created.
• 2025: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi closed and refocus on Central and Eastern Europe.

Good to know

• Goal: an all-A321neo fleet around 2033.
• Aircraft grounded by Pratt & Whitney GTF engine inspections since 2023-2024.
• One of Europe's youngest fleets (about 4.5 years on average in early 2026).

How to prepare

• Know the ultra low-cost model: high utilization, low costs, short turnarounds.
• Be able to discuss the GTF (PW1100G) engine issue and its consequences.
• Be ready for mobility: bases in many Central and Eastern European countries.

Questions to prepare

• Why Wizz Air rather than another airline?
• What do you know about Wizz Air's fleet and how it is changing?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years at Wizz Air?
• Are you ready to be based anywhere in Europe, and to change base?

Recruitment

Rolling recruitment Cadet (non-rated or A320-rated) and experienced first officers

Rolling recruitment across several European bases.

Latest published cadet requirements: ME IR, ATPL theory, MCC, UPRT, 145 h (integrated) or 200 h (modular); 300 h if already A320-rated.

Simulator hours don't count towards the required total. Always check the airline's website before applying.

Wizz Air careers site