Atlas in pilot interview agreement with GoJet

US-based freighter lessor Atlas Air and US regional passenger carrier GoJet Airlines have entered an agreement that guarantees GoJet pilots an interview with Atlas after one to two years of service.
The move comes as concerns grow about a global shortage of trained pilots as both the airline passenger and air cargo sectors experience sustained business increases.
A statement from parent company, Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, said that first officers with military flying experience will be eligible to interview with Atlas after just one year of service at GoJet, while all other pilots will be eligible to interview after a minimum of two years of service.
“We are delighted to begin this special relationship with GoJet,” said Atlas Air president and chief operating officer John Dietrich.
Dietrich continued: “Aviation is at the center of today’s modern global economy. And its continued ability to provide access to markets, serve as a catalyst for international trade, and propel economic and social development will benefit greatly from innovative partnerships like this one, which will help ensure a solid pipeline of attractive candidates dedicated to a career in aviation.”
GoJet Airlines, operating as United Express and Delta Connection, flies Bombardier CRJ700 and CRJ900 aircraft, carrying 4.5m passengers per year, with more than 240 daily flights.
It is based in St Louis, Missouri, and has crew bases in Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Raleigh-Durham and St. Louis.
The world’s largest operator of Boeing 747 all-cargo aircraft, Atlas Air Worldwide said that it is “in an era of significant business growth and development, with opportunities to expand its cargo and passenger operations with existing customers and with new ones”.
GoJet chief operating officer Terry Basham said: “Our new partnership with Atlas provides an excellent career progression opportunity for our pilots. Given Atlas’ healthy economic outlook, our pilots will find it an ideal place to build a long-term career.”
GoJet director of flight operations, Randy Bratcher, stated: “This agreement opens the door for GoJet pilots to potentially fly the Boeing 747 or 767, among the most storied aircraft in aviation history.
“The opportunity to join the Atlas team and operate big Boeings all over the world is a very attractive career move for our pilots.”
Current GoJet pilots with the requisite time in service may immediately opt-in to the Atlas guaranteed interview programme, while new GoJet pilots may do so as soon as time-in-service requirements are met.
“With GoJet mentoring and a guaranteed interview, pilots invited to join Atlas can look forward to advancing their careers with a growing global air carrier, the opportunity to fly wide-body Boeing aircraft, and airline transportation to and from their base,” added Atlas in the statement.
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