OREANDA-NEWS.   Endeavor Air is partnering with parent company Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) to attract the best pilots to both carriers with a new hiring program. Starting June 15, the new Endeavor-to-Delta Pilot Hiring and Commitment Program (EtD Commitment) will use Delta’s rigorous hiring protocol. Through the program, every new Endeavor pilot will receive a commitment to be hired by Delta in the future. Applicant screening under the new EtD Commitment program will begin immediately.

Ryan Gumm, president – Endeavor Air, said this is a first for the industry. “No other regional airline is providing new pilots with this level of commitment for future employment with a mainline carrier,” he said. “Identifying a clear career path is vitally important to pilots, and we’ve designed this program to help position Endeavor as a natural first choice for the best pilots.”

Through the EtD Commitment, Endeavor will use Delta’s screening and interview process to select pilots based on the same high standards used by Delta. Delta representatives also will participate in the selection process. Endeavor pilots hired under the EtD Commitment and whose experience at Endeavor meets Delta’s high standards will have the opportunity to be hired by Delta based on seniority at Endeavor.

Don Bornhorst, senior vice president – Delta Connection at Delta Air Lines, said this is a good move for both airlines. “With this unique hiring program, Endeavor will attract career-focused pilots. Delta also will benefit from the future employment of pilots who have been selected and trained to our high standards, have demonstrated performance and experience at Endeavor, and have a clear understanding of the Delta brand.”

The EtD Commitment will, along with an existing screening program for current Endeavor pilots, fill approximately one-third of Delta’s future pilot hiring needs. Delta expects to hire thousands of pilots in the coming years as many of its current pilots reach mandatory FAA retirement age. The EtD Commitment will serve as one pathway to a pilot career at Delta along with the traditional application process through which Delta has thousands of qualified applicants competing for positions.