Connect Airlines has announced the launch of its Smart Start Captain recruitment program that will offer up to thirty highly qualified direct entry US Captains an industry leading, pay-protected salary of more than a quarter million dollars per year, plus sought-after quality of life benefits to join the USA’s newest regional airline that is launching scheduled service on Dash 8 aircraft.
“We recognize the hiring challenges the industry is facing and are taking these unprecedented steps to meet the business objectives of our startup airline while offering pilots economic security and quality of life opportunities,” said John Thomas, CEO, Connect Airlines. “Creating a new airline in a challenging market means we have to do things differently and smarter than others.”
Connect is recruiting US Captains who have a minimum of 2500 hours total time that includes 1000 hours of part 121 or part 135 flying time. Pilots with this level of experience have been through the industry’s ebbs and flow and are looking for a better work life balance. With its regional service and aircraft returning to their home base each day, Connect will offer its Captains an opportunity to set smarter schedules to optimize their duty time and home life.
“We are looking for Captains that see the opportunity in building a new airline and in participating directly in how that airline works and grows,” said David Marcontell, Chief Operating Officer, Connect Airlines. “There is a huge benefit in collaborating with our pilots to build a smarter airline and we are backing that up with a compensation package that is considerably higher than any other Regional in the USA and highly competitive with Low Cost Carriers (LCC) as well.”
Connect is now working closely with US and Canadian regulators towards successful completion of its certification process before beginning scheduled service between Toronto’s Billy Bishop’s (YTZ) convenient downtown airport and Chicago’s O’Hare (ORD) and Philadelphia (PHL) airports.
Last week the US Department of Transportation (DOT) issued Connect its certificate of convenience and necessity and tentatively approved Connect’s certificate authorizing foreign scheduled air transportation.
Connect Airlines will begin US-Canada transborder service in 2022 connecting travelers with three daily flights from Toronto – Canada’s largest city and economic engine – to Philadelphia International and Chicago O’Hare. Flying to and from Toronto’s spectacular downtown waterfront and award-winning Billy Bishop Airport, Connect is getting ready to bring the world to Toronto and connect Toronto to the world.
