In an interesting move to solve the problem of pilot shortage in the future, Mesa Airlines has initiated the Mesa Pilot Development Program (MPD). As a part of the program, the airline has ordered 29 Pipistrel Alpha Trainer 2 aircraft with an option to buy 75 more next year.
According to Mesa, the new program will give the pilot a direct route to a long-term career with an opportunity to accumulate up to 1,500 flight hours required to fly a commercial aircraft at Mesa Airlines.
Jonathan Ornstein, Chairman, and CEO of Mesa, said: "The pilot shortage could become a permanent feature of the airline industry if we don't get more aviators into the system. It is basic math. If there aren't enough trained pilots, customers suffer from loss of service and high-ticket prices. We believe there is no faster way for a new aviator to enter commercial aviation and ultimately be employed at a major airline."
John Hornibrook, SVP Flight Operations said: “Our program will be the most cost-effective and one of the fastest routes to a long-term career as a professional pilot. We want to make it as easy as possible for a whole new field of candidates to join Mesa, including and especially people who might not have traditionally considered aviation."
Mesa also said that MPD pilots will begin building company longevity, receive flight benefits, and have priority status for employment as a First Officer at Mesa Airlines along with flight costs of $25 per hour, per pilot, which will be fully financed by Mesa with zero interest.