AS380 Final Paper

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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University *

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380

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Industrial Engineering

Date

Oct 30, 2023

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Nolan Troy A280.7.1.PR – Research Project April 28, 2023 A280.7.1.PR – Research Project A280.7.1.PR – Research Project I now have 950 flight hours, and since I qualify for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot certificate, I can decide what airline I would like to work for. Currently, I have two offers. My choices are to fly for either United Airlines or Delta Air Lines. Both are very respectable major airlines that have a lot of similarities. However, they do have a number of differences that could be deciding factors on who I would end up wanting to fly for. When it comes to pay, United Airlines pilots are compensated based on their hourly pay rate, which varies depending on their aircraft type and level of experience. Delta Air Lines pilots are compensated based on a combination of hourly pay rate and a performance-based bonus program. The performance-based bonus program is designed to reward pilots who meet certain performance criteria, such as on-time arrival rates, customer satisfaction scores, and fuel efficiency. The specific pay rates and bonus programs at each airline may differ, with some pilots earning more at one airline versus the other. Retirement benefits are also something to take into consideration. United Airlines offers pilots a defined benefit pension plan, which provides a guaranteed income during retirement based on a formula that considers a pilot's years of service and average salary. The money received from retirement is not taken from the pilot’s earnings and is actually an amount that is put aside by the company on top of you will be paid. Delta Air Lines offers pilots a defined contribution retirement plan, which allows pilots to

contribute a percentage of their earnings into a retirement savings account. Delta Air Lines also provides a company match to help pilots build their retirement savings. Both United Airlines and Delta Air Lines offer comprehensive health and wellness benefits to their pilots, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Delta Air Lines also offers its pilots a wellness program, which includes health screenings, coaching, and incentives for healthy behaviors. Similarly, Both United Airlines and Delta Air Lines offer their pilots, and their families, travel benefits, which allow them to fly for free or at reduced rates on their respective airlines. Although both airlines operate at most of the same major airports, their hubs and routes may differ. United Airlines operates several major hubs across the United States, including Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Denver International (DEN), Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Los Angeles International (LAX), Newark Liberty International (EWR), San Francisco International (SFO), and Washington Dulles International (IAD). Delta Air Lines also operates several major hubs across the United States, including Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International (ATL), Boston Logan International (BOS), Detroit Metropolitan (DTW), Los Angeles International (LAX), Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP), New York John F. Kennedy International (JFK), New York LaGuardia (LGA), Salt Lake City International (SLC), and Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA). Both airlines also operate a significant number of international routes, with United Airlines having a slightly larger global network than Delta Air Lines. United Airlines has a significant presence in Asia and Europe, while Delta Air Lines operates a hub in Amsterdam (AMS). Pilots who are interested in flying internationally may prefer one airline over the other based on their specific route offerings and destinations. Depending on where I decide I would like to settle, one airline may be more appealing than the other. One of the biggest differences between the two airlines is fleet. United Airlines operates a variety of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, including Airbus A319/320/321, Boeing

737/757/767/777/787, and Embraer E170/175/190/195. Delta Air Lines also operates a variety of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, including Airbus A220/319/320/321, Boeing 717/737/757/767/777/787, and McDonnell Douglas MD-88/90. United Airlines operates a larger fleet of Boeing aircraft while Delta Air Lines operates a larger fleet of Airbus aircraft, so preference could be a deciding factor as well. Another factor that is quite different between the two airlines is upgrade potential. United Airlines typically offers upgrades based on seniority, with pilots gaining more seniority as they accrue flight hours. Similarly, Delta Air Lines also offers upgrades based on seniority, but also considers pilot performance and other factors. For someone wanting to be more mindful and professional when it comes to overall performance and execution, they may have a chance at making more money at Delta Air Lines, rather than United Airlines. Lastly, company culture could be a deal breaker in where one ultimately decides to further their pilot career. United Airlines has a reputation for being more focused on efficiency and profitability, with a more hierarchical structure and strict adherence to policies and procedures. Delta Air Lines has a reputation for being more employee-friendly, with a focus on teamwork, innovation, and flexibility. The specific work environment and culture at each airline may impact a pilot's experience and job satisfaction. Overall, these specific details highlight some of the key differences between working as a pilot for United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. However, it's important to note that every pilot's experience is unique and may be impacted by factors beyond these specifics. In conclusion, deciding on who to work for is ultimately dependent on what someone wants to make out of their career as a professional pilot.

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