Top 4 programs aimed at retaining cargo pilots

FedEx’s Purple Runway

The launch of FedEx’s pilot training program, called Purple Runway, sparked the attention of the aviation industry as one potential answer to the growing concern surrounding an impending pilot shortage. CEO and founder Fred Smith called it a “pipeline of pilots for us [FedEx] and the industry at large.”

The program aims to provide aid for aspiring pilots to meet the expensive and time-consuming 1,500-hour flight-time requirement to gain a commercial pilot’s license. That hump is seen as one major inhibition preventing would-be pilots from pursuing the career path.

Air Cargo World talked to CEO of Empire Airlines Tim Komberec – one of the carriers working in conjunction with FedEx on the program – to check in on the progress made since the Purple Runway’s launch in early April.

“I think Purple Runway is definitely gaining some traction,” Komberec said. “There’s a lot of interest in it, but it’s a matter of finding people that are qualified… there has been a huge effort made by our recruiters and FedEx, including their senior executives going out and talking to universities and colleges and private schools about the Purple Runway.”

Right now, it appears that the program is still in the stages of securing recruits from the pool of students. At present, program representatives are presenting at institutions like Embry-Riddle, so it seems it will take longer to see more tangible results.