Struggling to fill pilot positions, regional airlines are dangling big recruitment and retention bonuses. Pilots at American Airlines’ regional subsidiary Piedmont Airlines can bag over $180,000 in retention bonuses to stay with the company. In agreement with the ALPA union, current captains can get a payout starting at $30,000 and a similar amount for First Officers who upgrade to Captain.
Piedmont pilots hired at American will receive $70,000. All pilots hired at Piedmont are guaranteed a job at American after at least one year of service. Each pilot has to meet minimum hours of work each year to qualify for the bonus. The bonuses can be accumulated over time.
Envoy Air and PSA Airlines will also offer generous retention payouts of up to $30,000 for captains and upgrading first officers.
