Ultra low-cost pilot

An Ultra Low-Cost airline needs the ability to be extremely flexible in their operation. They are very seasonal and only operate on days where most people travel. One of the biggest ways to maximize profits is to operate with as little staff as possible, especially with the highest paid labor groups. Pilots are one of the highest compensated labor group at an airline. In order to keep the compensation Ultra Low-Cost, pilots need to be spread thin or "short staffed". The company will then utilize the pilots greed against them selves by offering more money per assignment, in the form of paying them between 200%-300% extra pay, to drop everything they're doing and rush into work. This strategy makes up for pilot shortage and allows the ULCC to pay them more when they need them, but less when they don't. Additionally,

This defines the Ulta Low-Cost Pilot. A pilot who is willing to take less base pay, less retirement, and less loss of medical security. Simply to have the "possibility" to earn a higher wage of money even if it's inconsistent month to month.

The opposite; is a non Ultra Low-Cost pilot who is able to generate a steady higher guaranteed income month to month and if desired to work more, when opportunity is available still earn up to 200% pay. Basically Ulta Low-Cost pilots were pilots that said things like: "I love flying so much, I'd do it for free". Or, "I'd fly for Food".

I thought your husband was going to be here? Me too, but he is a Ultra Low-Cost Pilot. He has to volunteer to pick up last second flights to get paid close to what real pilots make.

by CrazyolMaurice September 25, 2023

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