American Airlines’ is luring pilots with a $15,000 signing bonus for every new qualified flyer.
Piedmont, PSA Airlines and Envoy Air will offer the bonus for all new entrants to stave off a growing pilot shortage.
The three airlines operate short haul regional and ‘express’ flights in American’s network.
New rest time rules and higher qualification standards are making it tougher for airlines to fill vacancies and attract more new pilots due to the cost of training.
That works out at ‘a minimum $150,000’ according to Dennis Tajer, spokesman for American’s Allied Pilots Association.
"If you just do the minimum to get licensed, I’m certain that are you are well into six figures. So you may come out with the same debt as an attorney," Tajer said.
"This is the shock wave that continues to riddle the industry. It has resulted in an epidemic of pilot shortages."
While entry level salaries at the regional airlines is low, it offers a route to mainline pilot jobs at American, says Lyle Hogg, CEO of Piedmont.
"We’re hoping that the $15,000 signing bonus will encourage more pilots to look at Piedmont as a career choice. Piedmont offers a very quick upgrade from first officer to captain and a guaranteed job at American Airlines in a few years, so it’s a great career option."
