About Airblue

Airblue is an airline from Pakistan. It flies under the IATA code PA and ICAO code ABQ. Airblue operates from Islamabad (ISB), Karachi (KHI) and Lahore (LHE). The fleet includes the Airbus A320-200, Airbus A321-200 and Airbus A321neo.

Airblue recruits licensed pilots as direct-entry first officers and captains. The link to its careers website is in the profile on this page. The requirements listed on this page cover licence, flying hours, type rating, medical certificate, age and education. This page sets out the selection in 7 stages.

The seven phases

Airblue at a glance

IATA / ICAO

PA / ABQ1

Country

Pakistan

Hubs

Islamabad (ISB), Karachi (KHI), Lahore (LHE)1

Fleet

Airbus A320-200, Airbus A321-200, Airbus A321neo1

Direct entry

First officers, Captains2

What does Airblue ask of pilots?

Licence

Captain: valid ATPL with IR-A (ME) endorsed by PCAA. First Officer: valid CPL from CAA Pakistan.2

Hours

Captain: minimum 5000 hours total with 1000 hours P1 on transport jet or turboprop (MTOW 5700 kg or more). First Officer: minimum 1000 hours, 100 hours multi-engine preferred.2

Type rating

Captain: type rated pilots and TRI/TRE or SFI/SFE holders preferred.2

Medical

Current and valid Class 1 medical from the CAA.2

Age

Captain: maximum 58. First Officer: 25 to 50.2

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred.2

1. 1Wikipedia: Airblue · accessed 11 Oct 2026
2. 2Airblue jobs · accessed 10 Oct 2026