Avelo Airlines plans to hire over 100 new pilots

Avelo Airlines plans to hire 120 new pilots, offering bonuses and commuter stipends, to attract candidates, it was announced Thursday.

Avelo Airlines is offering a $20,000 sign-on bonus for new pilots, an $1,800 virtual base stipend, and elevating first-year pay by 50% for captains and nearly 30% for first officers. The pay scale is the highest in the ultra- low cost carrier and regional carrier sectors of the U.S. airline industry, according to a release from Avelo Airlines.

“We’re committed to attracting and retaining the industry’s best pilots,” said Avelo Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy. “In addition to our enhanced pay scale, Avelo supports quality of life initiatives such as an additional $1,800 per month to help offset the cost of commuting. And, if a pilot chooses to live in base, they’ll keep the $1,800 per month.”

The first-year hourly pay rate for captains being offered is $200 per hour, an increase from $135 per hour. At five years of service, Avelo Airlines pilots will earn $220 per hour. First-year first officers will be offered $90 per hour and $140 per hour after five years of service.

“At Avelo Airlines, pilots hire pilots,” said Avelo Chief Operating Officer Captain Greg Baden. “We encourage pilots at any stage in their professional career to apply.”

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