Air Wisconsin Announces New Bonus and Retention Program for Pilots

APPLETON, Wis., Feb. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Air Wisconsin is excited to offer increased first officer starting pay of $35/hour as well as $33,000 in sign-on bonuses.  Together these incentives are among the highest in the industry.  In the first three years of employment, a new first officer will earn, at a minimum, between $201K and $242K depending on 401(k) and benefit selection.

Air Wisconsin is also increasing pilot retention bonuses that had previously been offered to its first officers up to a total of $20,000, with $10,000 payable in both May and October 2017.

These expanded incentives are a sign of Air Wisconsin's commitment to attract and retain experienced pilots and greatly complement the other valuable benefits, which include Air Wisconsin's pilot 401(k) plan, work rules, and some of the best health insurance options in the entire industry. 

"This enhanced bonus and retention program is designed to retain our current base of quality pilots and quickly build that base in order to meet our growth plans," said Bob Frisch, Air Wisconsin's Chief Operating Officer.  "We expect to hire over 400 pilots in the next two years, and this program secures our ability to recruit and retain experienced pilots capable of quickly progressing from first officer to captain."

Air Wisconsin also offers a referral bonus of up to $4,000 to employees who refer new pilots.  

About Air Wisconsin Airlines

Air Wisconsin Airlines, founded in 1965, operates nearly 350 departures per day system-wide to 26 states and three Canadian provinces in partnership with American Airlines. With service to approximately 70 cities throughout North America, Air Wisconsin carries nearly 6 million passengers per year.