Wasaya Airways is making a one-of-a-kind offer to experienced pilots who join the company in December.
Every new hire before Dec. 31, 2017, will be put into a pay grade based on their experience.
Wasaya officials say it's standard practice for pilots joining a new carrier to start at the bottom of the pay and benefits scale, regardless of experience, but across the industry, competition for pilots is fierce.
Wasaya and the Air Line Pilots Association have now signed a letter of agreement, saying Wasaya will bypass that pay-scale drop for new hires.
Local Air Line Pilots Association chair James Harding said fair compensation, along with the work-life balance offered by Wasaya, are big draws.
“It’s a stress-free commute to work, it’s your home most nights, our pilots don’t have to go away on lengthy parings and stay in hotels. There’s a little bit of that here, but for the most part pilots are home most nights with their families,” Harding said.
Wasaya Airways president Michael Rodyniuk said the airline is working on finding new ways to hire more experienced pilots.
“We’ve been working with the pilots union to try to find ways to bring experienced people on and not just go with people who are fresh to the industry and that enhance safety as well.”
Any pilots interested in taking Wasaya up on its offer can apply on the Wasaya website.
