Aviation Insider

19/10/2026

18/10/2026

On 15 October, Qantas Airbus A380 VH-OQJ operated an empty positioning flight from Dresden to London Heathrow. Flight QF6038 took approximately one hour and 41 minutes, an unusually short journey for an aircraft designed to cross continents.

The superjumbo had spent around three months at Elbe Flugzeugwerke’s Dresden facility undergoing heavy maintenance. Dresden is an important European maintenance centre for the A380, providing inspections, repairs and overhaul work for the type.

Another Qantas A380, VH-OQD, reportedly travelled in the opposite direction from Heathrow to Dresden on the same day to begin its own maintenance visit. Exchanging the aircraft at Heathrow allows Qantas to coordinate its maintenance programme without operating separate empty flights all the way between Australia and Germany.

After returning to Heathrow, VH-OQJ continued towards Australia as flight QF7002 via Singapore, eventually arriving in Sydney. These carefully planned movements help keep Qantas’ remaining A380 fleet operational ahead of the airline’s expected gradual retirement of the type from 2028.

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17/10/2026

KEEP YOUR 737 RATING ACTIVE

The Boeing 737 remains central to short-haul airline operations, with Classic, Next Generation and MAX experience continuing to support career opportunities worldwide. Your previous variant, differences training and recent operational experience must be considered when planning your next check.

Aviation Insider supports UK Boeing 737 revalidation, renewal and eligible licence-conversion routes.

We can help coordinate an approved training organisation, refresher preparation, full-flight simulator, examiner and UK CAA documentation. The check may assess technical knowledge, aircraft handling, automation, instrument approaches, rejected take-off, engine and system failures, abnormal procedures, landing performance, CRM and threat-and-error management.

Planning and licensing support are available in Crawley and Burgess Hill. We also assist pilots with Airbus A320, Airbus A330 and other multi-pilot aircraft types. Let us review your documents and recency before confirming the most appropriate training programme.

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17/10/2026

BRUSSELS AIRLINES RECRUITING A320 FIRST OFFICERS

Brussels Airlines is recruiting type-rated and non-type-rated First Officers for its Airbus A320-family operation. The official vacancy does not list a minimum total-flight-time threshold.

Applicants need a valid EASA ATPL or CPL/IR with ATPL theoretical credits, a valid multi-engine instrument rating and completed MCC training. Advanced UPRT is required for applicants who have never previously held an aircraft rating.

Candidates must hold a valid Class 1 medical with at least six months remaining and ICAO English Level 4 or above. Fluency in either Dutch or French is mandatory, with a minimum B2 certificate required when it is not the applicant’s native language.

Applications require a CV, cover letter, certificate of good conduct and the final three pages of the applicant’s logbook. Brussels Airlines also states that experienced First Officers may receive starting-salary recognition based on hours flown on CS-25 aircraft.

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16/10/2026

ASL AIRLINES BELGIUM ACCEPTING FLIGHT CREW APPLICATIONS

ASL Airlines Belgium is accepting spontaneous applications for its short-haul flying team. Applications submitted through the official careers page are retained for one year, and suitable candidates may be contacted when current or future positions become available.

Based at Liège Airport, ASL Airlines Belgium describes itself as Belgium’s largest cargo airline. It employs more than 450 people, operates over 30 aircraft and averages approximately 670 flights each week.

The airline’s network covers around 60 destinations across Europe alongside long-haul operations. Its fleet supports express freight, e-commerce and international cargo services.

The official application page does not publish specific licensing, experience or type-rating requirements for these spontaneous applications. Candidates should therefore confirm the exact aircraft, position, base and eligibility criteria before applying.

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15/10/2026

YOUR EASA A320 PATHWAY

The Airbus A320 is operated throughout Europe, making a current EASA type rating valuable for pilots seeking short-haul, charter and airline opportunities. Planning before expiry can make the process considerably more straightforward.

Aviation Insider can coordinate EASA A320 revalidation, renewal and eligible conversion support. Services may include a licence and recency review, ATO coordination, refresher training, simulator sessions, examiner arrangements and application guidance. The proficiency check can assess aircraft knowledge, flight preparation, instrument procedures, automation management, manual flying, system failures, emergency procedures, take-offs, approaches, landings, CRM and decision-making.

Our support is available in Crawley and Burgess Hill, with training arranged through suitable approved providers. We also support pilots working with the Boeing 737, Airbus A330 and other aircraft types. Send us your licence, rating status and recent experience for an initial pathway review.

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15/10/2026

LUFTHANSA SELECTED TO ACQUIRE 44.9% OF TAP AIR PORTUGAL

The Portuguese government has selected Lufthansa Group as the strategic investor for the partial privatisation of TAP Air Portugal. The transaction has not yet been completed and remains subject to final agreements and regulatory approval.

Lufthansa has offered €1.025 billion for a 44.9% stake. Up to 5% is initially reserved for TAP employees, and Lufthansa’s investment could rise to approximately €1.2 billion if those shares become available, including an additional ticking fee.

The Portuguese state will retain a controlling 50.1% interest. The government said Lufthansa’s financial proposal was 16% higher than Air France-KLM’s and valued TAP at approximately €2.55 billion.

Lufthansa intends to support TAP’s growth while retaining its Portuguese identity. The government says the agreement protects the TAP brand, Lisbon hub and strategically important connections to Portuguese-speaking markets and communities.

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15/10/2026

CHALLENGER 350/3500 CAPTAINS WANTED AT LONDON STANSTED

Ryanair’s careers platform is collecting expressions of interest for Challenger 350 and 3500 Captains for an operation based at London Stansted. The position supports a continuous 24-hour engineering operation.

Published requirements include at least 3,000 hours total flying time and 1,000 hours in command of multi-crew, multi-engine jet aircraft. Applicants require an EASA or UK CAA ATPL, a valid Class 1 medical and ICAO English Level 4 or above.

Candidates must have unrestricted permission to live and work in the United Kingdom. A Challenger 350 or 3500 type rating is preferred, while the advertised selection process includes a simulator assessment, technical assessment and interview.

This is an expression of interest, so applicants should confirm the current contract, roster, training arrangement and employment terms directly through the official recruitment platform. Aviation Insider offers technical study resources and simulator preparation for professional pilots.

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15/10/2026

BA CITYFLYER OPENS ASPIRATION TO COMMAND APPLICATIONS

BA Cityflyer is recruiting experienced First Officers for its Aspiration to Command pathway at London City Airport. Successful applicants will operate the Embraer 190, with progression to command planned within 12 to 18 months, subject to vacancies, performance and the required standards.

Applicants need at least 2,500 hours total time, including 1,000 hours on multi-crew aircraft, and must have flown their previous type within the last six months. An E-Jet type rating is desirable but not essential.

The position requires a UK-issued ATPL, frozen ATPL or MPL, or an EASA licence meeting an applicable UK CAA conversion route. Candidates also require ICAO English Level 6, a valid Class 1 medical, the right to work in the UK and a passport with at least 12 months remaining.

The published starting salary is £70,347 plus approximately £11,700 in allowances. Following successful command training, this increases to £110,934 plus approximately £16,300 in allowances. Applications close on 31 October 2026.

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