Empire Airlines

Empire Airlines is a regional airline based in Hayden, Idaho. The site says it is the largest regional operator for FedEx. It has also added Aerospace and Unmanned divisions. FedEx works with Empire Airlines in its Purple Runway program, which builds a pipeline of trained pilots.

The fleet includes ATR 42, ATR 72 and ATR 600 turboprops, plus Cessna 208 Caravan and Cessna 408 SkyCourier aircraft. The site says the company is hiring pilots for these aircraft throughout the western United States.

The site says Empire was chosen as the North America launch customer for the ATR 72-600 freighter in 2020. In 2022 it took delivery of new Cessna 408 SkyCourier aircraft commissioned by FedEx.

The site describes career paths for pilots and A and P technicians. It says pilots get competitive pay, modern equipment, quality of life schedules and flight safety training. The company may provide up to US$5,000 toward an ATP certification program.

First officers in good standing may be considered for a captain upgrade after 12 cumulative months in revenue service, if they meet the 121 captain requirements. Caravan captains may be able to move to the ATR after two years, the site says.

The FedEx Purple Runway program aims to build a group of pilots who can qualify for the FedEx trunk fleet. The site lists a Hayden phone number, a fax number, and separate contact details for general and employment questions.