Horizon Air pilots have ratified an agreement with their union, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), to help retain their pilots at the carrier with more pay and retirement benefits as mainline carriers continue to hire them away.
More than 91% of Horizon pilots voted, and the agreement passed by 99%.
The IBT has ratified a new tentative agreement with the company. This agreement is effective immediately and includes wage increases and other improvements.
"Horizon Air is proud to serve communities throughout the West – places that we call home. The ongoing industry pilot shortage has put a strain on this service, and it's more critical than ever that we attract and retain our talented pilots," said Joe Sprague, president of Horizon Air. "We are focused on making Horizon the regional carrier of choice for pilots, and this agreement positions us well. I'm grateful to our pilots and to our colleagues at the IBT for their collaboration and hard work in getting to this point. Together, we are positioning Horizon for a strong future."
Horizon Air is facing a pilot shortage which has resulted in a reduction of their scheduled flying. However, they still fly to every community they serve. Regional air service is essential for economic development and strong local communities. Horizon Air is committed to ensuring that their service remains strong into the future.
Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines have come to an agreement with their pilots that will help to fill the need for more pilots over the next few years. The agreement includes a number of measures, such as increasing the number of pilots hired through the Ascend Pilot Academy and the Pilot Development Program. This is important, as both airlines estimate they will need to hire 500 pilots each year through 2025.
"In light of recent wage increases across all segments of our industry, significant improvements were necessary for Horizon Air to remain competitive in attracting and retaining pilots," said Horizon pilot and IBT 1224 Executive Council Chairman Henry Simkins. We identified what was important to our pilot group and worked to implement an approach that will help Horizon Air retain an experienced workforce and attract new talent. We appreciate management's investment in our skilled professionals that continue to safely deliver our wonderful passengers every day."