rsweetacroj

I'm trying to decide from Commutair or Republic. I have class dates for both in April. I just recently interviewed with Commutair and was impressed with them. It looks from the outside that Republic pays better, but with the bonus structure at Commutair, they actually pay better overall. I know the plane is better at Republic, but not sure what else is. Any advice?

FredFlystone

I don’t know much about Republic but I’ve been at commutair for a few months and am enjoying it. Growing company getting more jets and a larger route map. Great training and short reserve time with fast upgrades and a CPP with United. Really good pilot group.

Bahamasflyer

Check your PM's Fred. Thanks in advance

jetgirl1313

Also sent a message

LeversTenFifty

I'd go with Republic. I can't see how CommutAir pays more than Republic, even with bonuses, except the first year if you qualify for the $45,000 sign-on bonus for being awarded captain in initial training. After the first year you would make more at Republic.


The quality of training at CommutAir is better than it used to be, but still tends to be hit or miss; training scheduling tends to be poorly organized as well.


Besides paying more, another advantage of Republic is they fly for 3 different mainline partners, while CommutAir has all our eggs in one nest-box. If United decides to drop CommutAir we'll go out of business a la Comair but at Republic there are still the other 2 mainline partners if one of them drops Republic.



Another reason Republic is probably a less risky choice is the all 68-76 seater fleet. 50 seat jets have a higher cost per seat mile, and CommutAir's fleet is older than Republics, and the 145s are probably at greater risk of being parked next time oil gets expensive.

Flyboy68

All of this.

Higher pay scale and an all E170/175 fleet make this a no brainer.

Tankerds

Hey bud, if these are the only two regionals you are looking at I'm assuming you did your homework and these for whatever reason made the final list. If these are the two you're looking at, it really is a no brainer that Republic should be where you go. Yes the airplane is cooler at Republic, but even more importantly the type you'll get is far more important. American/JetBlue both fly the E190 for mainly, which is a shared type, just difference course. Meaning if you eventually would want to work for either of these carriers, you're already a more attractive candidate because you're typed. I see a lot of my Republic friends getting pulled to JetBlue quickly!

The E145 is a great airplane too, I flew it for a year with a different regional. All the jet experience you will get with it is great, but it's not going to be useful at a major obviously, as it is a strictly regional airline jet.

Republic also offers far more base options than Commutair. You never know where your life will take you, things change so often. Having more base options gives you more flexibility. I don't think I need to go into this any further, pretty self-explanatory. Additionally, a company like Republic which is flying the premier regional jet right now would seem to be a much more secure future than a company flying the 145. Although I don't see the 145 going away anytime in the near future, it's even more obvious that the 175 definitely isn't.

Good luck buddy!