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.

Connect Airlines announced on July 6 that it has been issued its certificate of convenience and necessity by the US Department of Transportation (DOT).

Connect Airlines

The certificate allows Connect to engage in interstate scheduled air transportation once it has completed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required proving runs. The proving runs are scheduled to begin July 18, 2022, and last approximately four weeks.

The DOT also tentatively approved Connect’s certificate authorizing foreign scheduled air transportation. The foreign certificate will be formally awarded following a separate review by the White House.

Connect will work closely with the FAA towards successful completion of the certification process, then subsequently apply for Canadian authorizations before beginning scheduled service between Toronto’s Billy Bishop’s (YTZ) convenient downtown airport and Chicago’s O’Hare (ORD) and Philadelphia (PHL) airports.

From launch Connect’s aircraft will generate up to 40% less carbon emissions than the existing US regional jets they replace while at the same time providing a superior passenger experience. Connect also plans to be the first zero-emission passenger airline in the US through its recently announced order with Universal Hydrogen for hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Connect Airlines is an operating brand of Waltzing Matilda Airlines (WMA), a Boston based FAA Part 135 charter operator currently adding FAA Part 121 scheduled and non-scheduled services.

WMA identified the need for a “smarter airline” and brought together aviation leaders with over 150 years’ experience who share a common passion – to work and fly smarter. With the planes we fly, the technology we use, and the operations we run, Connect Airlines will deliver a quieter, cleaner, and healthier travel experience. Connect Airlines, the future of smarter, greener travel.