ST. LOUIS, Jan. 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A new signing and retention bonus program will make Trans States Airlines pilots among the highest paid in the regional airline industry. In addition to having a competitive hourly pay scale ($36.35 per flight hour), 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.

Under an agreement brokered by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), Trans States First Officers already on property will receive $10,000 in retention bonuses, and another $10,000 in bonuses if the company reaches pilot hiring targets. Current Captains will also receive a retention bonus, as well as an additional bonus if hiring targets are met.

Salary and bonuses alone for a first year, First Officer should reach at least $55,000. Total pay, per diem and all benefits can now reach $75,000 for a first year, First Officer, and $82,000 a year for a first year Captain.

"The objective of this program is twofold—to offer a competitive compensation package that will attract top aviation talent to our airline, while also taking care of the pilots already flying for us," explains Trans States Airlines Chief Operating Officer Fred Oxley. "With year one total compensation packages for First Officers and Captains topping $75,000 and $82,000 respectively, we believe this program does just that."

"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 the Trans States arm of ALPA, "and 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."

Trans States pilots can also earn $1,500 for every successful pilot they refer to the company.

The aforementioned programs are effective immediately.

About Trans States Airlines

Trans States serves over 4.5 million passengers a year, with approximately 237 daily flights providing service to over 70 cities in North America. Trans States operates the Embraer 145 on behalf of American Airlines (as American Eagle) and United Airlines (as United Express). Headquartered in St. Louis, Trans States has crew domiciles in Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), St. Louis (STL), Raleigh- Durham (RDU), and Washington D.C. (IAD).

SOURCE Trans States Airlines