“Direct-Entry Captains” Remain Hot Commodity

Republic Airways announced a new program for experienced aviators hopping aboard in the coming months, with $100,000 in sign-on bonuses on offer.

Like usual, the bonuses primarily aim to entice pilots who already have command time in a Part 121 or 135 operation, with the requisite experience to walk right on to the left seat. Republic, just like the rest of the regional airline field, has seen plenty of its captain base enticed away by larger carriers in recent years.

Given the life of a regional captain, the Embraer fleet simply has a hard time retaining a qualified officer when they look wistfully across the tarmac to the lucre of legacy carriers and their luxurious widebody jets in all their sprawling glory. The Republic program tries to bridge that apparent gap in compensation, adding “immediate Pilot-In-Command opportunity, guaranteed interview programs with Delta and United, no junior manning, 10 domestic bases, and a state-of-the-art training center”.

“Republic Airways pilots enjoy leading rates, work rules and quality of life. We are uniquely positioned to offer our pilots the best paths to a rewarding, long-term career at Republic or transition to the mains through our strong partnerships with American, Delta and United, elevating opportunities in your professional and personal development. Our sustainable relationships with our codeshares are one of the reasons Republic pilots enjoy a stable and successful career.”

 FMI: www.rjet.com