Best Airline to Work For?
12-14-2013, 09:26 AM
#15
On Reserve
Joined APC: Dec 2013
Posts: 12
Believe it or not, this is an extremely loaded question with multiple answers (as you can see with all the answers). You need to figure out what is more important to you: Quality of Life (QOL-Specific location, days off, job satisfaction, etc), or $$$$$$. Once you've factored which you want more of, then you can start to chip away at the list of who you DON'T want to fly for.
All the major airlines (Pax Carriers) are hiring now. As the pilot gene pool narrows in the coming months and years, the "ball" will begin to be in the hands of said pilots. Right now the Airlines can be picky with whom they invite for interviews and subsequently hire because there are upwards of 10k pilot applicants on file. That WILL change as time progresses, mainly due to the dwindling number of qualified ATP certified pilots that will be available.
All of that being said, you need to look at forecasted mandatory retirements, projected aircraft purchases and expansion/retraction of hubs (or the airline) as a few other indicators to make the most informed decision as to your preference for which to seek employment with.
Some guys only want to fly cargo, and others PAX. Next time you're at the airport on a long layover, try and find a few pilots to shoot the breeze with. Some of them may not want to be bothered, but if you find those that don't mind it, you'll probably hear the goods, bads, and uglys if you ask the right questions.
All the major airlines (Pax Carriers) are hiring now. As the pilot gene pool narrows in the coming months and years, the "ball" will begin to be in the hands of said pilots. Right now the Airlines can be picky with whom they invite for interviews and subsequently hire because there are upwards of 10k pilot applicants on file. That WILL change as time progresses, mainly due to the dwindling number of qualified ATP certified pilots that will be available.
All of that being said, you need to look at forecasted mandatory retirements, projected aircraft purchases and expansion/retraction of hubs (or the airline) as a few other indicators to make the most informed decision as to your preference for which to seek employment with.
Some guys only want to fly cargo, and others PAX. Next time you're at the airport on a long layover, try and find a few pilots to shoot the breeze with. Some of them may not want to be bothered, but if you find those that don't mind it, you'll probably hear the goods, bads, and uglys if you ask the right questions.
12-14-2013, 01:23 PM
#16
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,412
At the end of your career, you'll look back and can say if you worked for the best airline or not. Anything before that is simply a guess.
One could have worked for a leading American airline. Think Pan Am or TWA.
Maybe you settled for some fly by night cargo place. All of your buddy's felt sorry you didn't make the show. That would be FedEx now.
Maybe you really scrapped the bottom and worked for some intra state airline in Texas. That's Southwest.
Even picking the "right" airline at the wrong time can be problematic. Think of two pilots, Dick and Jane. Dick got hired on at Southwest in 1980 at age 35. Most would think Dick hit a home run. Jane also got hired on at Southwest at age 35. The problem is that she just got hired on. Will Jane see the same career as Dick or not? Slower upgrade and different culture will affect Jane's view of her career when she retires.
One could have worked for a leading American airline. Think Pan Am or TWA.
Maybe you settled for some fly by night cargo place. All of your buddy's felt sorry you didn't make the show. That would be FedEx now.
Maybe you really scrapped the bottom and worked for some intra state airline in Texas. That's Southwest.
Even picking the "right" airline at the wrong time can be problematic. Think of two pilots, Dick and Jane. Dick got hired on at Southwest in 1980 at age 35. Most would think Dick hit a home run. Jane also got hired on at Southwest at age 35. The problem is that she just got hired on. Will Jane see the same career as Dick or not? Slower upgrade and different culture will affect Jane's view of her career when she retires.
12-15-2013, 06:08 PM
#18
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,412
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