NetJets and the union that represents its pilots, the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP), voluntarily entered midterm bargaining last week to address the company “falling behind in pay” compared to low-cost and regional airlines, NJASAP v-p Paulette Gilbert told AIN. “This situation is hurting recruitment and retention—the labor force is taxed as everyone is competing for the same pilots,” she added.
While the fractional provider has thus far been able to attract quality pilot candidates, Gilbert is concerned about how long this can continue in the face of newly inked, more lucrative contracts at airlines. “First-year pay isn’t nearly as attractive now, and even 20-year NetJets pilots are leaving for higher pay and better schedules and benefits at the airlines.”
Meanwhile, “In the next five years, NetJets intends to double its fleet from 500 to 1,000 aircraft and pilot ranks from 3,000 to 6,000. We need to be more competitive to get there,” Gilbert stressed.
To emphasize these issues, NJASAP has started an informational picketing campaign. Over the weekend, the group held two such campaigns in Arizona—on Saturday at Scottsdale Airport (KSDL) to coincide with the Barrett Jackson auto auction and Waste Management golf tournament and on Sunday at Phoenix International (KPHX) in conjunction with the Super Bowl. NJASAP will also picket this holiday weekend at West Palm Beach International Airport (KPBI).