top of page
PLANE LOGO_edited.png

Direct To Hired

Horizon Air

Horizon Air, a regional airline and a wholly owned subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, operates a fleet of approximately 40 aircraft, primarily consisting of Embraer E-175 regional jets. The airline provides more than 300 daily flights to over 40 destinations across the western United States, Canada, and Mexico. Horizon Air employs over 500 pilots and has multiple bases, including key locations in Seattle, Portland, and Spokane. Founded in 1981, Horizon Air initially began as a small regional carrier and has since grown into a key component of Alaska Airlines' regional operations, offering essential connections between major hubs and smaller cities in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Airline Notes

  • Founded in 1981, Horizon Air is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alaska Air Group.

  • Headquarters and training facilities are located in Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR.

  • Horizon Air operates 43 E175 aircraft, with an additional 7 E175s expected by the end of 2026, bringing the fleet total to 50.

  • Crew bases are located in Seattle (SEA), Spokane (GEG), Boise (BOI), Medford (MFR), Anchorage (ANC), Everett (PAE), and Portland (PDX).

  • Horizon Air offers free unlimited travel on Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air on a stand-by basis. Fee-based and restricted stand-by travel is available on other airlines through the OneWorld Alliance, with discounted full-price fares on Alaska and Horizon.

Pilot Development / Cadet Programs:

  • Pilot Development Program: Private pilots receive a $12,500 stipend, mentorship from a professional pilot, and invitations to special events. Upon completing ATP/R-ATP minimums, pilots are given a class date with Horizon Air.

  • Ascend Pilot Academy: For aspiring pilots with little or no flying experience, this program offers mentorship and a stipend of up to $27,000 while training at Hillsboro Aero Academy. Upon meeting ATP/R-ATP minimums, participants are given a class date with Horizon Air.

Pathway to Alaska Airlines:

  • The Alaska Airlines Pathways Program provides a direct route for Horizon pilots to become First Officers at Alaska Airlines. Members are assigned a class date with Alaska Airlines in seniority order once they meet the minimum requirement of 1,000 hours of Pilot in Command (PIC) time at Horizon.

Identification:

  • IATA: QX, ICAO: QXE

  • ATC callsign: "Horizon Air"

Horizon Air is currently only hiring experienced First Officers with the following minimums:


*Military pilots with over 200 hours of military flight time obtained as pilot in command of a multiengine turbine-powered, fixed-wing airplane or powered-lift aircraft in an operation requiring more than one pilot meets the requirements for the Experienced First Officer Position.

  • A minimum of 1,465 hours of total flight time or R-ATP qualified.

  • 200 hours of FAA-approved Prior Qualifying Time to serve as pilot in command in part 121 operations (per FAR § 121.436(a)(3)). Candidates will need to provide proof they have obtained this flight time requirement. All prior qualifying time will be verified in pilot logbooks with the System Chief Pilot and/or the Director of Operations at time of interview.

  • 200 hours as second in command at a part 121 carrier (per FAR § 121.436(a)(3)); or

  • 200 hours as pilot in command at a part 91 carrier flying a multi-engine turbine-powered fixed-wing or powered-lift aircraft with an Airline transport pilot license and an applicable type rating (per FAR § 91.1053(a)(2)(i)); or

  • 200 hours as pilot in command at a part 135 carrier in passenger-carrying operations of a turbojet airplane with a passenger-seat configuration, excluding each crewmember seat, of 10 seats of more (per FAR § 135.243(a)(1)); or

  • 200 hours as pilot in command at a part 135 carrier in passenger-carrying operations of a multiengine airplane in a commuter operation (per FAR § 135.243(a)(1)); or

  • 200 hours as pilot in command at a part 135 carrier holding an airline transport pilot certificate and if required appropriate type rating for that airplane (per FAR § 135.243(a)(1)); or

  • 200 hours of military flight time obtained as pilot in command of a multiengine turbine-powered, fixed-wing airplane or powered-lift aircraft in an operation requiring more than one pilot (per FAR § 121.436 (c)).

  • 500 hours of cross-country flight time or 200 if R-ATP or military qualified.

  • 100 hours of night flight time.

  • 250 total hours of flight time as pilot in command including 100 hours of cross-country flight time and 25 hours of night flight time.

  • 75 hours of instrument flight time in actual or simulated instrument conditions.

  • 25 hours of multi-engine flight time.

  • FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings.

  • Must possess a current First-Class FAA Medical Certificate.

  • FCC permit restricted radiotelephone operator.

  • Must have and be able to maintain a valid passport allowing unrestricted travel, without a TRP, to and from the U.S.

  • Must possess a valid Driver’s License.

  • Excellent judgment, leadership skills, demonstrated command ability and maturity.

  • Must be willing to accept a base assignment in Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; Spokane, WA; Boise, ID; Medford, OR; Anchorage, AK or Everett, WA based on company need.

  • Must be willing to work multiple days away from home, working a varied schedule, including weekends and holidays without restrictions.

  • Ability to communicate in English.

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • Minimum age of 21 years old.

  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred

  • 100 hours of multi-engine flight time.

  • 100 hours flown in the last 12 months.

  • Four-year degree from an accredited University.

Incorrect Information?

We are constantly striving to provide you with the most up-to-date and correct information available. If you find incorrect information on this page, please let us know by clicking the button below and leaving us feedback. Thank you.

Airline Type

Regional

Number of Pilots

560

Number of Aircraft in Fleet

53

Number of Domiciles

7

Union

Teamsters

Fleet

E175: 43

Domiciles

MFR
ANC
PDX
SEA
GEG
BOI
PAE

Airline Notes

  • Founded in 1981, Horizon Air is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alaska Air Group.

  • Headquarters and training facilities are located in Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR.

  • Horizon Air operates 43 E175 aircraft, with an additional 7 E175s expected by the end of 2026, bringing the fleet total to 50.

  • Crew bases are located in Seattle (SEA), Spokane (GEG), Boise (BOI), Medford (MFR), Anchorage (ANC), Everett (PAE), and Portland (PDX).

  • Horizon Air offers free unlimited travel on Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air on a stand-by basis. Fee-based and restricted stand-by travel is available on other airlines through the OneWorld Alliance, with discounted full-price fares on Alaska and Horizon.

Pilot Development / Cadet Programs:

  • Pilot Development Program: Private pilots receive a $12,500 stipend, mentorship from a professional pilot, and invitations to special events. Upon completing ATP/R-ATP minimums, pilots are given a class date with Horizon Air.

  • Ascend Pilot Academy: For aspiring pilots with little or no flying experience, this program offers mentorship and a stipend of up to $27,000 while training at Hillsboro Aero Academy. Upon meeting ATP/R-ATP minimums, participants are given a class date with Horizon Air.

Pathway to Alaska Airlines:

  • The Alaska Airlines Pathways Program provides a direct route for Horizon pilots to become First Officers at Alaska Airlines. Members are assigned a class date with Alaska Airlines in seniority order once they meet the minimum requirement of 1,000 hours of Pilot in Command (PIC) time at Horizon.

Identification:

  • IATA: QX, ICAO: QXE

  • ATC callsign: "Horizon Air"

bottom of page