They must have an FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and receive additional training on the specific make and model of the A380, including systems and procedures. They typically fly with a co-pilot and a flight engineer, although some airlines have opted to fly the A380 with only two pilots.

On a standard flight in 2026, the Airbus A380 is operated by a minimum of two pilots: a Captain and a First Officer. However, for the "Ultra-Long-Haul" routes that the A380 is famous for—such as Dubai to Los Angeles or Sydney to Dallas—the aircraft typically carries an augmented crew of three or four pilots. This is mandated by aviation safety regulations to manage pilot fatigue; while two pilots are at the controls, the third (and fourth) can take mandatory rest periods in the dedicated crew rest compartments. The third pilot is usually a "Senior First Officer" or a "Cruise Relief Pilot" who is fully qualified to operate the aircraft during the cruise phase of the flight. So, while the aircraft can be flown by two people, you will almost always find at least three pilots on board for any flight exceeding 8 to 10 hours to ensure the highest standards of safety and alertness during the journey.