Compass Airlines Raises First Year Pilot Pay to $35.81 per Flight Hour

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Compass Airlines is pleased to announce that the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for its pilot group has been amended to increase first year, First Officer pay to $35.81 per flight hour.  An additional highlight of the amended CBA is the provision of four paid hotel stays per month for commuting pilots.  The amendment also gives Compass the flexibility to quickly raise first year pay in response to market conditions.  The agreement was reached as part of a voluntary mediated settlement of a number of outstanding issues between Compass Airlines and its pilot group, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). 

"We are delighted that the global resolution process has resulted in an agreement that is mutually beneficial for both parties, and allows us to move forward with an amended agreement that increases compensation for Compass pilots," said Rick Leach, Chief Executive Officer of Compass Airlines.  "Additionally, this agreement gives Compass the tools it needs to remain competitive in the regional airline marketplace." 

Anthony Zerafa, the leader of the Compass ALPA pilot group said, "The recent mediated settlement agreement has addressed a number of issues that will improve all our pilots' quality of life. We are dedicated to continue working on behalf of all of our pilots to ensure Compass' continued success."

The amendments to the contract are effective immediately.    

About Compass Airlines

Compass Airlines serves over 4 million passengers annually, averaging over 220 daily departures to destinations in the United States, Canada and Mexico.  Compass operates a fleet of Embraer 170/175 aircraft on behalf of American Airlines (as American Eagle) and Delta Air Lines (as Delta Connection), and is in the midst of major growth, adding 20 Embraer 175 aircraft to its fleet in 2015.  This growth is projected to increased passenger traffic by 36% between 2015 and 2016.  Headquartered in Minneapolis, Compass has crew bases in Minneapolis, Los Angeles and Seattle.

SOURCE Compass Airlines