"We learned today that ExpressJet plans to hire 96 pilots beginning in January 2011. This is more welcome news in addition to the recent return of our pilots from furlough. We believe it indicates a continuing positive trend for our Company and for the future careers of our pilots. More information about this hiring and the expectations for staffing will be provided once it becomes available."
That is a Memo from the ExpressJet union chairman to the pilots he represents. It is an announcement that has been a long time coming and represents a new milestone for the airline formerly known as Continental Express.
Several ATP Graduates in Atlantic Southeast Airlines’ hiring pool have been given Groundschool class dates with ExpressJet beginning in January 2011. The news was shared with ExpressJet Pilots in a memo from George Semak, Senior Director of Flight Operations for ExpressJet.
“ASA has notified ALPA that XJT intends to hire 96 pilots beginning with a class on Jan 3 and then two more classes in January. Two additional classes will be held in March", said Captain Semak.
"All pilot hiring for XJT and ASA will be done through the ASA pilot recruitment office. ASA has experienced pilots who are responsible for the hiring process at both airlines."
"Currently, there are 45 pilots who are in the hiring pool who will be offered positions with XJT and we will begin the recruitment process shortly to fill out the remainder of our requirements.”
There was also a memo to ExpressJet Pilots from Atlantic Southeast Airlines’ Vice President of Flight Operations Charles Tutt which included news that ExpressJet would upgrade 48 ExpressJet First Officers to Captain in February and March of 2011.
Mr. Tutt said in his memo, “While there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to plan and execute the successful integration of our airlines, maintaining safe, efficient day-to-day operations and ensuring our people have the support and resources they need to be successful will remain our priorities throughout the integration process. After evaluating our current staffing levels, we will need to hire an additional 96 pilots in order to right-size the staffing needed to support our current schedule and prepare for the higher-than-anticipated 2011 block hours for both our Continental and United schedules."
"The new-hire pilots will be pulled from the hiring pool that has been built up over the past couple of months, and recruiting efforts will continue if we do not meet the 96 mark. Six classes containing 16 pilots each will begin in January and continue through the first quarter of 2011, and we anticipate a total of 48 upgrade slots to be available in February and March."
"We will continue to provide the latest updates regarding our hiring efforts and any other topics that impact you or our operations. Thank you for your continued dedication to our operation and our customers.”
