A new contractual career progression program will provide Endeavor Air pilots a guaranteed pathway to Delta Air Lines – no testing or interview required.

This week, Endeavor announced the Career Advancement Program (CAP), which guarantees direct career progression to Delta Air Lines for all Endeavor pilots. Pilots who begin their career at Endeavor and desire to work at Delta will have an opportunity to transfer to Endeavor’s mainline partner.

“At Endeavor, pilots are trained to fly in the Delta brand and operation every day,” said Graham. “They have worked hard to build a solid reputation for safety, operational excellence and professionalism, and this has earned them a guaranteed seat at our mainline partner.”

The CAP is the result of a three-way negotiation between Delta, Endeavor, and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) that represents Endeavor pilots. Pilots who maintain a good employment record at Endeavor and who achieve the objective hiring criteria outlined in the program will be eligible to go to Delta in as little as four and a half years. 

“Endeavor pilots have told us that contractual career progression was a top priority, and now it is a reality,” said Jim Graham, CEO of Endeavor Air. “The CAP is an industry-leading program that is going to make Endeavor a stronger, more competitive airline in the regional space.”

Ensuring that Endeavor can attract and retain pilots is a top priority. Endeavor pilots earn the highest hourly pay rate in the regional industry, enjoy rapid upgrades and a strong company culture, and now have a defined professional career pathway from Endeavor to Delta. The CAP will make Endeavor an even stronger airline and further set them apart from their competitors.

Endeavor was the first regional airline to begin hiring pilots again in March 2021, after the pandemic put a pause on all hiring for most of 2020 and early 2021. Endeavor has welcomed nearly 400 new pilots in 2021, and pilot candidates have been assigned class dates through June 2022. Pilots with a future class date can be assured that their wait will be rewarded — as they can now visualize their full pilot professional career potential.

“Whether you are just starting or continuing to advance your airline career, Endeavor is a great choice,” said Graham. “And, if Delta is your ultimate destination, Endeavor is without a doubt the best place to start.”

To be eligible for CAP, pilots will be required to spend a minimum of 4½ years of active service at Endeavor, with 24 months as Captain. Full program guidelines can be found on www.endeavorair.com.