GoJet Raises Pilot Pay

Regional carrier GoJet Airlines has put its money on the table to attract pilots and mitigate the shortages that are affecting the industry. The airline, which flies 47 CRJ700 and seven CRJ900 as United Express and Delta Connection from Boise to Quebec City, is guaranteeing new first officers at least $2,700 a month and captains at least $5,000 a month, plus per diems, health and retirement benefits. The figures are based on a minimum of 75 flight hours a month at $36.50 an hour for new pilots and $67.39 a flight hour for captains. Most will likely fly more than the minimum. It was hard to tell from the news release whether the airline or the pilots union was happiest with the deal. "This is an outstanding contract that will take these GoJet pilots to the top of the regional industry in pay and benefits for the CRJ700 and CRJ900 aircraft," said Capt. David Bourne, director of the Teamsters Airline Division. GoJet President Rick Leach said the relatively generous contract is the new reality in the regional business.

"These improvements, combined with our fast captain upgrades and minimal reserve time, will allow us to continue attracting top aviation talent," Leach said in a statement. "The pilot shortage affecting regional airlines and the entire aviation industry is real, and has made recruiting pilots more difficult than ever before. This new contract will ensure that we remain competitive in a very challenging hiring environment." The contract is in effect this month.