Paying for an interview - get used to it....
Im a retired Capt from one of the main lines working as a recuriter for Politiri Aviation and our Contract Flight crew operations. I can tell you that carriers used to cough up good coin to get you to an interview, but very seldom anymore. There are a hell of a lot more pilots available now than there was 10 years ago and in some areas of the world rates are dropping because guys are bidding on jobs.
Like most other HR firms, we charge you to come to a central point for an interview - but remember, you have already been pre selected at that point - the interview is for a face to face ON CAMERA as well as a security and background check. And, at the end of the interview, we usually give you cash towards your expenses.
Believe me when I tell you, I have been on both sides of the table and the interviews are not money makers. Fact of the matter is, it is common now a days, but if they dont give you a STIPEND towards your costs, dont go to the interview.