INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (OTC: RJETQ) is proud to announce the RJET Cadet Flight Time Initiative (FTI), an innovative new program that covers the financial cost of up to 100 final hours of flight time for prospective pilots to obtain their ATP certificate. The program, believed to be a first among U.S. regional air passenger carriers, is designed to combat the industry’s continuing pilot shortage while securing a clear pathway for prospective professional aviators to join Republic Airways.
“Republic continually encounters Pilots slow to achieve their final flight hour requirements because of the cost and the general pressures of daily life,” said Jody Scott, Director of Talent Acquisition for Republic. “This program removes those barriers, providing a practical solution that will reduce months of effort and expense to finally achieve their career goal of flying for an airline. We want that airline to be Republic Airways.”
The first FTI group began training in September, and a second group began October 17.
The genesis for the RJET Cadet FTI came from those directly affected by today’s flight hour requirements – interns working at Republic. Through discussions among Company leaders and interns, it became clear that while the internship program provided invaluable career experience, achieving necessary flight time (especially multi-engine time) actually is the biggest challenge facing aspiring aviators. Republic’s leadership wanted to change that, and the FTI is the end result.
“Republic is a Company that acts and listens, and this proactive, forward-thinking program is proof of that,” said Shuttle America Capt. Nick Hammond, one of the key Associates leading the development of the FTI. “And, quite frankly, the response has been incredible. We look forward to making such an important impact on these new aviators and helping jump-start their careers, and welcoming them into the Republic family.”
Fast facts about the FTI:
- The program is open to pilots with a commercial airline certificate, with Republic funding the final 100 hours of total flight time or remaining multi-engine time necessary to meet ATP or R-ATP minimums.
- Flight hours are provided by a Republic-designated flight school.
- Transportation and lodging during the FTI is provided by Republic.
- Participants accept a sign-on agreement with Republic, which includes a conditional offer of employment upon completion of FTI flight hours (up to 100).
“Republic Airways is fully vested in developing safe aviators, and this is a tremendous and unique opportunity to do just that,” Scott said.
About the Company: Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (OTC: RJETQ), based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is an airline holding company that owns Republic Airlines and Shuttle America, collectively called “the airlines.” The airlines operate a combined fleet of about 165 aircraft and offer scheduled passenger service with approximately 850 flights daily to about 105 cities in 38 U.S. states, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. The airlines provide fixed-fee flights operated under our major airline partner brands of American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express. The airlines currently employ about 5,200 aviation professionals. For more information, visit www.rjet.com, follow @RepublicAirways on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook or LinkedIn. More FTI information is available at http://www.rjet.com/en/FTI.aspx.
