Release #: TSA 17.01
January 31, 2017

Trans States Pilot Leaders Sign Letter of Agreement for Bonus/Retention Program

ST. LOUIS, MO – Pilots at Trans States Airlines, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l. (ALPA), announced a letter of agreement (LOA) has been reached with Trans States management that addresses the pilots’ immediate economic concerns and also represents an attempt to stem pilot attrition and recruit more aviators.

New hire first officers are now eligible for a $30,000 signing and retention bonus, to be paid in three increments over two years of service. The new signing and retention bonus program, coupled with Trans States competitive hourly rate for first-year first officers ($36.35), will make them among the highest paid in the regional airline industry. 

“We think this new bonus and retention program is a good start in recognizing the professionalism and dedication of Trans States pilots,” said Capt. Neil Butler, Chairman of ALPA’s Trans States Master Executive Council. “We look forward to continuing to work with management to improve the overall compensation package of pay, benefits, and work rules that lead the industry and attract new pilots.”

The LOA awards current Trans States first officers $10,000 in retention bonuses, and includes another $10,000 in bonuses if the company reaches pilot hiring targets. Salary and bonuses alone for a first-year first officer should reach at least $55,000. Current captains will also receive a retention bonus, as well as an additional bonus if hiring targets are met.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 54,000 pilots at 31 airlines in the United States and Canada, including the more than 550 pilots of TSA. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA. 

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org