My first year at Air Transport International (ATI) has been overwhelmingly positive, exceeding my expectations in several aspects. From the job itself to the camaraderie among fellow pilots and the significant blocks of time off, it’s been a genuinely enjoyable experience. The extended periods away from home required for long-haul flights took some adjustment, but overall, I can confidently say this is the most fulfilling pilot job I’ve held to date.
One of the most significant advantages is the home basing and the elimination of expenses for crash pads or hotels. This aspect alone has drastically reduced the stress typically associated with pilot commuting and layovers. The company’s positive space travel arrangement to work, coupled with accruing personal rewards points, is a fantastic perk that I hope will remain a standard benefit in future contract negotiations, as it seems to be highly valued by the pilot group.
However, it’s crucial for any prospective pilot to realistically assess whether their personal life can accommodate the demanding schedule. The majority of our schedules involve two consecutive weeks away from home each month. Trips shorter than 16 days are rare. There are discussions about potentially implementing more efficient week-on, week-off schedules, but currently, layovers average between 24-30 hours between flights. On average, I fly approximately 16 legs per trip. Circadian rhythm shifts are a regular part of the job, requiring discipline to ensure adequate rest when transitioning to opposite shifts for the next flight day.
Ignoring the negative narratives often found in online forums has proven to be beneficial in my experience. Within my first year, I’m on track to achieve a six-figure income, a financial milestone that has allowed me to live in my desired town with a backyard and afford quality healthcare for my child. My first-year earnings are projected to surpass $70,000, excluding per diem, which is more than initially anticipated. My advice is to take online negativity with a grain of salt and focus on whether the two-week away-from-home commitment aligns with your lifestyle. If it does, ATI is, in my opinion, an excellent place to be.
It’s important to acknowledge that ATI operates as an ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) carrier. This means our operations are contract-based. While this year has been prosperous, future job security is tied to these contracts. ATI’s expansion has been largely driven by its partnership with Amazon, and our flying contracts are heavily reliant on this relationship. If this contract were to end, it would significantly impact our jobs. Therefore, having a contingency plan is a prudent approach. I am personally pursuing a business degree as a safeguard, given the volatile nature of the global aviation industry.
If you have further inquiries about working at Air Transport International, feel free to reach out.
