Good Afternoon Everyone,

As the title probably infers I am trying to decide between the two companies. Currently a regional 121 pilot in no immediate rush to leave, but looking at no later than 4-5 months from now.

Have DPJ class date coming up in a few weeks and looking to interview and if successful an XOJ class date in March.

Not chasing the money so the stay 121 life isn’t what I’m looking for here. Just looking at current pilots insights into both companies. To me it seems comparable, besides the aircraft offered.

Both 8/6 off
Similar pay around 55k - 60k first year
Similar destinations and flying
DPJ keeps the Delta flight benefits


What gives?

Thanks!

 

From DPJ pilots.... the Delta benefits is not easy to use, you'll be at the bottom of the priority list.
Planes at DPJ are lease-backs, not owned by DPJ, nor DL, so quality and age depends on the owner's budget, some pretty beat up ones with mile-long MELs in the fleet.

 

XOJ has a great pilot culture. Our relationship with management is great too. The fleet is older, but stuff will get fixed.

XOJ FO pay is 55-70k depending on your experience. Upgrade is about 1-1.5 years on both fleet types.

I haven’t heard much about DPJ but you wouldnt regret going to XOJ. The downside is it sounds like DPJ is a sure thing while XOJ would depend on getting an interview and class date offer.

 

XOJ is a much better option if you can get on there, 2nd only to NetJets. BTW, NetJets just announced a major fleet expansion. Going to average adding 15 jets per year (net) thru 2029. And there's a fair amount of attrition with an average pilot age in the mid 50's.

With DPJ, I've heard nothing but bad things. Got to talk to a DPJ PIC 5 or more years ago (so could be dated info) and he said the place sucked. He was making less as a PIC than I was at NetJets as an SIC. I think they finally had to raise the pay but I don't think the culture and working conditions are very good.

 

I was in your exact situation 4 years ago interview first with DPJ then XO. Once you interview with XO you will realize it’s not even a comparison between the two. First off pay is much better at XO almost every FO I’m with is making 70 base pay plus flex 7.5 if they are on it and a lot are doing OT currently at $900 a day for FO’s. Another thing to remember is DPJ just got their raise and XO hasn’t yet so that gap will get wider.

But money isn’t what separates the two companies as much as everything else. XO pilots don’t file flight plans but you will at DPJ. You will eat like a king at XO go over your $80 limit a couple times a week it’s not a big deal it’s more of an avg. Want a rental car you can but don’t have to run it through the company. XO is supposed to start being able to non rev on swa soon but some of us already have alist pref plus companion pass so who cares. DPJ used to be able and did involuntarily extend people past day 8 and I’ve seen that at XO maybe once or twice because of weather or airline cancellations but the company will never say you need to work day 9.

Lastly getting to/from work it’s best to not be beholden to one company. Do you really want to have to leave at 6am because that’s how Delta can get you to the plane when if you had access to everyone you could have left at 9. Same and more importantly for getting home. If you want to make this side of the business your life NJA is probably the best if your on the fence between major or dream 91 gig and want a fast upgrade and good place to hang out for a few years you can’t beat XO. Good Luck

 

From my insight in the industry over the past 8 years, XOJET pilots have a much higher morale and level of happiness (as a broad generalization).

 

Thanks for all the insight into this choice. I interviewed at DPJ (October) due to my companies loss of flying and current contract situation, however I have been able to avoid going back to reserve it looks like until January/February which is why I’m not in a rush to interview elsewhere quite yet.

XO does seem to be the better choice for what I am looking for even if it could delay the opportunities at a major by a few years.

Thank you for all of the insight, I think I’ll be staying in the 121 world a few more months, until I can potentially make the move over to XO.