New budget airline in Spain 'charged an illegal fee to candidates who applied to become pilots

Passengers often joke that low-cost carriers will charge a fee for almost anything, and now an airline in Spain has been accused of illegally charging job applicants for an interview.

Hopefuls who sought jobs as pilots and flight attendants with Air Europa Express were forced to pay a €60 (£45 or $65) fee to reach the final stage of the application process, unions have claimed.

The carrier, a subsidiary of Majorca-based Air Europa, held final interviews in the Mediterranean city of Valencia this week with the aim of hiring 100 pilots and 150 flight attendants.

One of the trade unions claimed the demand for a fee was made in an email which the airline sent to candidates in January.

Isaac Valero, a representative of Spanish trade union Union Sindical Obrera, said: ‘If this time they asked for €60, we have no idea what they may charge the next time.’

The Spanish Guild of Commercial Aviation Pilots has filed a complaint against the airline, which began operating Monday, with the local labour inspectorate.

Miguel Angel San Emeterio, a spokesman for the union, said selection should be based on an applicant’s professional criteria.

‘Any type of charge is immoral,’ he said.

One of the trade unions has filed a complaint under Spain's labour laws, saying the fee was 'illegal' 

Charging to apply for a job is ‘illegal’ because it violates the principle of non-discrimination in access to employment, he added.

MailOnline Travel has contacted Air Europa for comment.

Air Europa, Spain’s third-largest airline, is owned by Globalia, a travel company whose brands include Iberrail and Be Live Hotels.