CommutAir announces improvements to pilot contract

The contract ratified in part by the Air Line Pilots Association includes a 30-percent increase in starting first officer wages ($51 per hour), a 25-percent increase in starting captain wages ($84 per hour), a commuting program that includes company-paid travel between home and work, a 50-percent match of 401(k) contributions by employees up to 16 percent, a sign-on bonus of up to $50,000 for direct entry captains, and a longevity credit up to 50 percent for new hires with prior Part 121 industry experience.

“I want to thank the ALPA and CommutAir negotiating teams for their tireless dedication to arrive at a new contract that positions the Company and its pilots on solid footing for years to come,” said Rick Hoefling, CommutAir president and CEO, in a news release. “As the industry recovers from the past two years of challenges, we believe we have a tremendous opportunity to see continued growth in our business.”

The airline has a fleet of over 75 Embraer 145 aircraft and operates 1,500 weekly flights connecting passengers throughout United Airlines’ global network.

“It takes a team of amazing people dedicated to our values of providing Safe, Caring, Dependable and Efficient service each and every flight and this new contract is a significant milestone in our journey,” said Joel Raymond, CommutAir executive vice president and chief operating officer.