Living in NY...which Airline would you choose?
 

Hey guys, doing a little research and need some help.

Looking at moving back to NY and am considering regionals with LGA/JFK/EWR bases.

Uprgade times are the biggest consideration with pay a close second. I am considering co-ex but with recent contract loss I am afraid the upgrade boom has ended there. Chautaqua looks promising however it sounds like LGA is very senior.

Any other ideas?

Express jet (Newark).. Upgrade time is good and pay is good..

Basically for NYC you have ExpressJet (EWR), Chatauqua (LGA), Colgan (LGA, and other out-station bases in the area, like ABE), and Comair (JFK).

ExpressJet is by far your best chioce. Even with the loss of aircraft (which is happening VERY slowly) they have alot of attrition. They send ALOT of guys to CAL. Over the summer I was on a CAL flight and was talking to the flight attendant. He said alot of the new FO's he meets are former XJet captains. He said that half the new hire classes are XJet guys, but he was a a flight attendant so I would take that FWIW).

The funny thing is that regardless of what career I go into, I'm desperately trying to get OUT of the NY area!

PDT has a LGA base. Contract is good, pay is ok for what you do, but upgrades...well nevermind.

Do you have a choice of airlines? Go to the first one you get hired at. If fact, go to any location for your first job. Don't be too picky. I was and lost years off my career. I'd avoid NYC for the cost of living, but if that's what you want, go for it. I left the San Fran area to be based in EWR for Continental Express, now I'm at Continental in EWR. I love being in the base with the best flying and it's the most junior base. Works good for me.

Yes, many CAL new hires are from Express. They love Express pilots. Many Former Express guys are 737 Captains now. Express guys are very easy to train: it's like the same company- uniforms, Part 121 jets, hubs, computer systems (CCS/COAIR), etc. It's an easy transition; all you do is change aircraft and take a temporary pay cut. :D

I have a good 121/135 job now flying Falcon 20-5's and cv 580's. I'm not interested in getting the first offer that comes to me but rather making the best decision for my situation.

So far some great advice, keep it coming:D

Best advice I can give you is there is no such thing as a great regional job

Didn't ask for a great regional job, rather the best of what is available.

I would have to agree with Ottopilot then, I fly for CAL also and have gotten to know quite a few xjet guys and they were pretty happy there. Some have even turned down the opportunity to come over to CAL because of there lifestyle at xjet.

Thats good info, thank you. I guess the contract loss isnt expected to slow down upgrades very much at co-ex?