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Direct To Hired

Commute Air

Commute Air is a regional airline based in the United States, operating a fleet of approximately 50 aircraft, primarily consisting of Embraer ERJ145 regional jets. The airline serves over 300 daily routes, connecting smaller communities to major hubs across the country. Commute Air employs around 600 pilots and maintains multiple bases, including hubs in Cleveland, Ohio, and Newark, New Jersey. Founded in 1989, Commute Air initially operated as a commuter airline under the name CommuteAir, before expanding its operations and becoming a key partner in the United Express network. Today, it continues to provide essential regional services in collaboration with United Airlines.

Airline Notes

  • CommuteAir is a regional airline operating as a United Express partner, flying on behalf of United Airlines. 

  • The airline operates a fleet of over 50 Embraer ERJ145 aircraft and conducts up to 1,600 weekly flights, connecting communities to United's global network. 

  • Headquartered in Cleveland, CommuteAir has major hubs in Houston and Washington Dulles, along with maintenance hangars in Houston, Albany, and Lincoln.

  • Founded in 1989, CommuteAir is majority-owned by Champlain Enterprises, Inc., with United Airlines holding a 40% stake.

Pay & Bonus Incentives

  • Captain Starting Pay: $150/hr

  • First Officer Starting Pay: $78.39/hr

  • First Officer Year 2 Pay: $91.98/hr

  • First Officer Bonus: $20,000

Pilot Benefits

  • 1:1 Payscale credit for up to 20 years of FAR 121 industry experience

  • Company-Sponsored Commuter Travel Program:4 Commuter rooms monthly for Line Holders
    6 Commuter rooms monthly for Reserve

  • Per Diem: $2.05

  • 401k contributions up to 16%, matched 50% by company

  • Comprehensive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, & more

  • Company-Paid iPad (EFB)

  • Industry-leading Commuter benefits

  • Preferential Bidding System

  • Employee Pass Travel Privileges on United Airlines

  • Minimum monthly guarantee: 76 hours

  • No Airport Reserve

Upcoming Classes

  • Mar 10, 2025

  • Apr 7, 2025

  • May 12, 2025

  • Jun 2, 2025

Additional Info

  • Most Junior Captain hired on 5/4/2024

  • Partnership with United Airlines through the United Aviate Program

  • Rotor Transition Program for qualified helicopter pilots

Rotor Transition Program Entry Requirements
No fixed-wing or multi-engine time required

Military Rotor Pilots:

  • 500 Hours Total Time

  • 100 Hours Cross Country

  • 75 Hours Night Time

  • 75 Hours Instrument Time

Civilian Rotor Pilots:

  • 1,250 Hours Total Time

  • 100 Hours Cross Country

  • 75 Hours Night Time

  • 75 Hours Instrument Time

Rotor Pilot Hiring Requirements
(Same as Program Entry Requirements)
Military Rotor Pilots:

  • 500 Hours Total Time

  • 100 Hours Cross Country

  • 75 Hours Night Time

  • 75 Hours Instrument Time

Civilian Rotor Pilots:

  • 1,250 Hours Total Time

  • 100 Hours Cross Country

  • 75 Hours Night Time

  • 75 Hours Instrument Time

United Aviate Program Information: https://www.unitedaviate.com/documents/Aviate-Program-Guide.pdf


United Aviatie Program Page: https://unitedaviate.com/


CommuteAir Rotor Transition Program: https://www.commuteair.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rotor-Transition-Program-PDF.pdf

First Officer Requirements:

  • Total Time: ATP Minimums (As Applicable)

  • FAA ATP or Restricted ATP Certificate Holder

  • FCC Restricted Radio Operator’s Permit

  • IFR and Landing Current

  • Current First Class Medical

  • Valid Passport

  • Authorization to Work in the U.S. and Travel in and out of the Country

  • Preferential Interviews for United, United Express Partners, and Aviate Candidates

  • Prior FAR 121 / Embraer 145 Experience and/or Aviate Participants Preferred

Direct Entry Captain Requirements:

  • At least 1000 qualified FAR hours to start in the left seat with CommuteAir. 

  • Direct-Entry Captains get paid for your time – 1:1 Payscale credit for up to 20 years prior FAR 121 industry experience.

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Airline Type

Regional

Number of Pilots

600

Number of Aircraft in Fleet

50

Number of Domiciles

2

Union

ALPA

Fleet

ERJ 145: 50

Domiciles

IAH
IAD

Airline Notes

  • CommuteAir is a regional airline operating as a United Express partner, flying on behalf of United Airlines. 

  • The airline operates a fleet of over 50 Embraer ERJ145 aircraft and conducts up to 1,600 weekly flights, connecting communities to United's global network. 

  • Headquartered in Cleveland, CommuteAir has major hubs in Houston and Washington Dulles, along with maintenance hangars in Houston, Albany, and Lincoln.

  • Founded in 1989, CommuteAir is majority-owned by Champlain Enterprises, Inc., with United Airlines holding a 40% stake.

Pay & Bonus Incentives

  • Captain Starting Pay: $150/hr

  • First Officer Starting Pay: $78.39/hr

  • First Officer Year 2 Pay: $91.98/hr

  • First Officer Bonus: $20,000

Pilot Benefits

  • 1:1 Payscale credit for up to 20 years of FAR 121 industry experience

  • Company-Sponsored Commuter Travel Program:4 Commuter rooms monthly for Line Holders
    6 Commuter rooms monthly for Reserve

  • Per Diem: $2.05

  • 401k contributions up to 16%, matched 50% by company

  • Comprehensive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, & more

  • Company-Paid iPad (EFB)

  • Industry-leading Commuter benefits

  • Preferential Bidding System

  • Employee Pass Travel Privileges on United Airlines

  • Minimum monthly guarantee: 76 hours

  • No Airport Reserve

Upcoming Classes

  • Mar 10, 2025

  • Apr 7, 2025

  • May 12, 2025

  • Jun 2, 2025

Additional Info

  • Most Junior Captain hired on 5/4/2024

  • Partnership with United Airlines through the United Aviate Program

  • Rotor Transition Program for qualified helicopter pilots

Rotor Transition Program Entry Requirements
No fixed-wing or multi-engine time required

Military Rotor Pilots:

  • 500 Hours Total Time

  • 100 Hours Cross Country

  • 75 Hours Night Time

  • 75 Hours Instrument Time

Civilian Rotor Pilots:

  • 1,250 Hours Total Time

  • 100 Hours Cross Country

  • 75 Hours Night Time

  • 75 Hours Instrument Time

Rotor Pilot Hiring Requirements
(Same as Program Entry Requirements)
Military Rotor Pilots:

  • 500 Hours Total Time

  • 100 Hours Cross Country

  • 75 Hours Night Time

  • 75 Hours Instrument Time

Civilian Rotor Pilots:

  • 1,250 Hours Total Time

  • 100 Hours Cross Country

  • 75 Hours Night Time

  • 75 Hours Instrument Time

United Aviate Program Information: https://www.unitedaviate.com/documents/Aviate-Program-Guide.pdf


United Aviatie Program Page: https://unitedaviate.com/


CommuteAir Rotor Transition Program: https://www.commuteair.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rotor-Transition-Program-PDF.pdf

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