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Southwest Airlines Pilot Hiring Information

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737

Southwest Airlines is the largest low-cost United States air carrier. Southwest Airlines operates a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft serving destinations throughout North America.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES PILOT HIRING REQUIREMENTS

Accepting Applications: Yes

Minimum Flight Time Requirements:

Multi-engine ATP certificate

Competitive Flight Time:

4,000 - 9,000 hours total time​

1,000+ hours turbine PIC

500+ hours fixed wing turbine

Previous 121 or military

Pilot Career Services:

Application Link:

COMPANY INFORMATION

Fleet Type & Count:
AIRCRAFT
TOTAL
ORDERS
B-737-700
430
-
B-737-800
207
-
B-737-MAX-8
145
54
B-737-MAX-7
-
250
Total
782
304

Number of Pilots:

10,164

Estimated Age 65 Retirements:

2023-2033: 3,134

Pilot Bases:

ATL, BWI, DAL, DEN, HOU, LAS, LAX, MCO, MDW, OAK, PHX

Southwest Airlines Pilot Bases Map

Pilot Pathway Program:

Destination 225

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CAPTAIN PAY SCALES (Per Flight)

Southwest pilots get paid by the flight segment (TFP). If the flight segment exceeds 243 miles, they earn 10% for every additional 40 miles.

Ex: MDW-MSP (303 NM) would pay: $245.64 + 0.1 x 245.64 = $270.20

Monthly Reserve Guarantee: 89.0 TFP (31 day bid), 87.0 TFP (30 day bid), 85.0 TFP (28/29 day bid)

Ex: 12+ Year Captain Minimum Reserve Compensation (30 day bid): $245.64 x 87 TFP x 12 months = $256,448

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES FIRST OFFICER PAY SCALES (Per Flight)

Southwest pilots get paid by the flight segment (TFP). If the flight segment exceeds 243 miles, they earn 10% for every additional 40 miles.

Monthly Reserve Guarantee: 89.0 TFP (31 day bid), 87.0 TFP (30 day bid), 85.0 TFP (28/29 day bid)

Ex: 12+ Year First Officer Minimum Reserve Compensation (30 day bid): $171.95 x 87 TFP x 12 months = $179,516

First Year First Officer Minimum Reserve Compensation (30 day bid): $79,104

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