Originally Posted by
ecam
They don't have to offer legacy pay. The pilots they attract like most startups will be refugees from other airlines who didn't have the luck and timing to get to a legacy or chose not to for whatever reason. Also many who are in the regionals who would jump at the chance. And like said above it will be a compensation package with lower rates but great stock and benefits. I'm betting they have no trouble getting pilots at all and it becomes very competitive.
This.
No shortage of regional pilots willing to move onto something bigger, newer, and with better pay. Especially initially, there's a lot of incentive to go:
-Double-digit or low 3-digit seniority number and fast upgrades during that first 2-3 year growth period.
-Stock options on a new airline with growth potential (how many would have gone to work for Southwest in 1970, knowing what we know now?)
-Possibly unique, low cost-of-living pilot bases, judging by their business model.
The real challenge will be retaining FOs after the company hits its first growth/hiring plateau.