Flying for Alaska Airlines

Regional flying: West is best

As a pilot for Horizon Air, you will be among the best in the regional airline industry as you fly throughout the West. To help keep you at the top of your game, we offer attractive compensation, development opportunities, the fastest path to our mainline carrier Alaska Airlines, and a great team that's known for its skill and close-knit teamwork.

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Experienced First Officer

Currently hiring Experienced First Officers. Looking for pilots with at least 200 hours of FAA-approved Prior Qualifying Time to serve as pilot in command in part 121 operations (per FAR § 121.436(a)(3)). Experienced First Officers receive the below benefits when hired.

  • $12,500 - $25,000 hiring bonus (based on number of FAA-approved prior qualifying hours per FAR § 121.436(a)(3))
  • Part 121 Longevity Pay credit that rewards you for your experience. Pilots with previous 121 experience can count their years of service for longevity pay credit at Horizon.
  • Crew bases in SEA, PAE, GEG, PDX, MFR, BOI, ANC.
  • Monthly vacancy bids (for upgrade and base vacancies)
  • Industry-leading pay: Captain wages starting at $151/hour; First Officer wages starting at $91/hour.

Our bases

From the rugged mountains to white sandy beaches, wild outposts to hip urban centers, we call the West home. Our pilot domiciles are in Seattle, Spokane, Boise, Medford, Portland, Everett, and Anchorage.

From there, we fly to destinations throughout the United States and Canada.

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Fleet

41 Embraer E175 aircraft

50 by 2026

High tech aircraft

RNP approaches

We’re the only regional airline that uses RNP .1 space-based approaches on E175s so pilots can approach on curved paths into unique service airports. Our airplanes are certified to ILS CAT IIIa minimums, giving you the ability to land in as little as 600' visibility, and take off with only 300' with the heads-up guidance system.

Compensation

In addition to a performance-driven, family-like culture, we offer a total rewards package that amounts up to $90,000 for first-year pilots. Our package includes competitive compensation and per diem, comprehensive benefits, quarterly and annual bonus programs. Experience hire bonus and longevity pay match awarded to candidates with prior qualifying time.

Get the details here

First Officer Requirements

Hours
  • A minimum of 1,500 hours of total flight time or R-ATP qualified.
  • 500 hours of cross country flight time or 200 if R-ATP or military qualified.
  • 100 hours of night flight time.
  • 250 total hours of flight time as pilot in command including 100 hours of cross country flight time and 25 hours of night flight time.
  • 75 hours of instrument flight time in actual or simulated instrument conditions.
  • 25 hours of multi-engine flight time; prefer 100 hours.
Certificates
  • FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings.
  • Must possess a current First-Class FAA Medical Certificate.
  • FCC permit restricted radiotelephone operator.
  • Must have and be able to maintain a valid passport allowing unrestricted travel, without a TRP, to and from the U.S.
  • Must possess valid Driver's License and authorized to work in the U.S.
Other
  • High School diploma or equivalent; prefer a four-year degree from an accredited university.
  • Minimum age of 21 years old.
  • Must be willing to accept a base assignment in Seattle, WA, Portland, OR, Spokane, WA, Boise, ID, or Medford, OR based on company need.