Mesa Airlines has launched a direct-entry captain position to one of the American big three - United Airlines. Candidates interested can join immediately with class dates already available. This partnership comes soon after United Airlines took a 10% stake in Mesa Air Group, the parent company of Mesa Airlines, at a value of $10.5 million.

Mesa, initially maintaining a 30-year partnership with American Airlines, recently severed the relationship in favor of a five-year capacity purchase agreement with United, which will include up to 38 Bombardier CRJ900s alongside 60 Embraer 175s in service for the airline.

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A pathway to United

With the highly qualified candidates having the ability to be funneled directly to United, the inclusions as part of the direct-entry positions (as per Mesa's statement) are as below:

• Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP).
• A minimum of 1,000 hours of Part 121.436 qualifying experience.
• Must have flown 100 hours within the previous 12 months.
• Current FAA first class Medical Certificate.
• Must pass a security background check and FAA-mandated drug test.

An appealing package will be offered upon completion for the Direct-Entry Captain Positions at various bases such as Phoenix, Houston, Washington Dulles, Dallas, Louisville, or Denver. Remaining competitive, compensation will be as below:

• $110,000 sign-on bonus paid in full after training.
• Longevity match program for pilots who have worked for any Part 121 or Part 135 carrier.
• Earning potential between $150 to $215 a flight hour as a Captain at Mesa before transitioning to United.

Speaking about the launch of the direct-entry captain position with United, Chairman and CEO of Mesa, Jonathan Ornstein released the following statement:

“This program provides an incredible opportunity for Captain qualified candidates to have a direct flow to United’s flight deck and advance their career goals in just two years. United is the fastest growing, best positioned and most employee friendly airline in America.”

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Moving on from American Airlines

The break-up with American Airlines will come into force from February 28, when up to 50% of Mesa's capacity will be cut with the airline. The remainder will continue up until April 3. From March, Mesa will begin transferring its aircraft to United's operations. The move will have United Airlines hibernate up to 38 E175s as Mesa will operate its CRJ900, an action to avoid contract violations with United pilots.

The investment by United will see growth at crew bases in the Southern states, with the addition of new bases in Denver and Houston. The carrier also plans to expand its reach in the west, strongly focusing on connecting more regional cities. In a statement on the expansion, Orstein said:

"This is an important momentum reversal for the regional airline industry as we work to restore service to neglected smaller and rural markets – three quarters of which have seen service reductions in the past three years – by adding over 100 daily regional jet flights to the United network."

Sources: Mesa Airlines, Flightglobal

• 

  United Airlines

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  UA/UAL

  Airline Type:

  Full Service Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Denver International Airport, Guam International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport

  Year Founded:

  1931

  Alliance:

  Star Alliance

  CEO:

  Scott Kirby

  Country:

  United States