We’ve Got Spirit: Why Experienced Pilots Are Choosing Envoy Air

For airline pilots, choosing where to spend the next chapter of a career is rarely about a single factor. Compensation matters, but so do seniority progression, quality of life, company culture, retirement planning and long-term career opportunities.

Today's experienced pilots are evaluating airlines through a different lens than they may have done earlier in their careers. Rather than simply asking, “Where can I get hired?” they're asking, “Where can I build the future I want?”

For former Spirit Airlines pilots Captain Thomas Gilmore and First Officer Ana Stolica, those questions led them to the same destination: Envoy Air.

While their career goals and experience differ — Thomas joined Envoy as a direct entry captain while Ana came on board as an experienced first officer — both were attracted by many of the same factors: recognition of previous Part 121 experience, opportunities for professional growth, a welcoming culture, and a company investing in its future.

Their stories provide insight into why an increasing number of experienced pilots are choosing Envoy as the next step in their aviation careers.

Two Pilots, One Decision

Although they arrived at Envoy from the same airline, Thomas and Ana were searching for different things when they began evaluating their next career moves.

For Thomas, aviation has been a lifelong passion. Raised around airports and airplanes, he learned to fly from his father while still in high school, and he spent decades building a career across multiple airlines, including a training role at Spirit Airlines. After Spirit ceased operations, Thomas found himself evaluating where he wanted to spend the final chapter of his aviation career.

“As I approached retirement age, it became important to find a company where I could finish my career on my terms,” Thomas said. “I've always enjoyed the lifestyle, the challenges and the ability to continue pursuing excellence every day I go to work.”

“The opportunity to start as a direct entry captain and retire as a line-holding captain at my home base was paramount.”
— Envoy Captain Thomas Gilmore

For Ana, the decision was driven less by where she wanted to finish her career and more by where she could continue building it.

“I was looking for more than just a seat in the flight deck,” Ana said. “I wanted to join a company where I could continue developing as a professional.”

Throughout her career, Ana has been drawn to opportunities involving leadership, mentorship and training. She wanted an airline where she could continue growing while contributing beyond simply flying the line.

Despite their different career stages, both pilots found themselves drawn to many of the same aspects of Envoy.

Experience Matters

For experienced airline pilots, one of the biggest concerns when changing companies is the prospect of starting over, specifically when it comes to building company seniority. Years spent on the line translate into more than flight time. They represent knowledge, leadership, operational expertise and a long-term commitment to the profession. That's why Envoy's Industry Experience Credit stood out to both Thomas and Ana.

“As an experienced captain, I was attracted to Envoy by the fact that they offered longevity credit for compensation, vacation and 401(k) matching,” Thomas said.

With Envoy's 1:1 longevity credit, eligible pilots can receive credit for their previous Part 121 experience when determining pay and benefits.

“A pilot with 15 years of combined Part 121 experience could enter the pay scale as a 15-year captain at Envoy,” Thomas explained. “The vacation and retirement benefits would be commensurate with that experience as well.”

For pilots making a transition, that has a significant impact on both compensation and long-term retirement planning.

“I chose Envoy because I wanted to be somewhere I could grow. Envoy felt like a place where my experience and future mattered.”
— Envoy First Officer Ana Stolica

“Being able to carry that experience forward into pay, vacation and retirement benefits showed me that Envoy really values the experience I have built,” said Ana.

For Thomas, another key factor was the opportunity to join the airline as a direct entry captain.

“The opportunity to join the airline as a direct entry captain was very attractive,” said Thomas. “It’s not something many airlines offer.”

Direct entry captain opportunities allow experienced aviators to step directly into the left seat rather than waiting through an upgrade process. For pilots with significant airline experience, it provides an opportunity to immediately leverage the skills and leadership they've spent years developing.

“It was important to me as a pilot nearing retirement age to choose a company where I could have what I need and put my experience to use,” Thomas said. “The opportunity to start as a direct entry captain and retire as a line-holding captain at my home base are paramount.”

Growth Creates Opportunity

Beyond immediate benefits, both pilots were attracted to Envoy's continued investment in its future. In 2023, Envoy completed its transition to an all-Embraer E-Jet (E175/E170) fleet and continues to receive new aircraft deliveries. The airline operates more than 1,000 daily flights and is expected to grow to at least 214 aircraft by the end of 2027. Envoy continues to be the largest part of American’s regional network, operating approximately one third of all American Eagle branded flights.

For experienced pilots joining as direct entry captains, continued fleet growth and pilot movement can translate into quicker progression toward line-holder status and improved quality of life.

“Envoy is a growing airline,” Thomas said. “It's accepting delivery of additional aircraft over the next several years, and pilots continue to flow into American Airlines. That movement creates opportunities throughout the seniority list.”

As pilots gain seniority, they gain access to preferred schedules, improved bidding flexibility and line-holder opportunities that can significantly enhance day-to-day life.

Ana was attracted not only by flying opportunities but also by the chance to become involved in recruiting, leadership, mentorship and training initiatives.

“The opportunity for growth played a huge role in my decision to join Envoy,” Ana said. “I've always been someone who enjoys taking on new challenges and looking for ways to improve. I didn't want to join a place where I would simply do the same job every day. I wanted somewhere I could continue evolving throughout my career.”

The airline's relationship as a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group (AAG) also factored into both pilots' decisions.

With an industry leading flow-through agreement with American, Envoy pilots have a direct path to a mainline flying career, with no additional interview required. For Thomas, that movement helps create opportunities for pilots joining today. For Ana, it represents future possibilities while allowing her to focus on growing in her current role.

“Whether you want to stay or flow to American, Envoy creates opportunities for pilots who want to continue investing in their careers long term,” Ana said.

A Culture Above the Rest

While career opportunities and growth attracted both pilots, the factor that has exceeded expectations since arriving at Envoy has been the people.

“Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and genuinely invested in helping each other succeed,” Ana said. “That supportive culture makes a huge difference, especially when you're joining a new airline.”

Thomas echoed that sentiment.

“The aspects of life at Envoy have exceeded my expectations in several ways,” Thomas said. “Pilots who fly for Envoy join a team of committed professionals who pursue excellence and desire to build a great airline.

He also noted the collaborative environment that exists throughout the company.

“From the training center to our agents, flight attendants and more, many people at Envoy sincerely enjoy their careers and work well together to form an enjoyable company culture.”

Changing airlines can be one of the most stressful transitions in a pilot's career. New procedures, new systems, and new relationships all require adjustment. Both Thomas and Ana said Envoy's culture made that transition easier than expected. For pilots evaluating a new employer, that sense of teamwork and professionalism can be just as important as pay rates or upgrade timelines.

Beyond the Flight Deck

Another common theme echoed by both pilots was the opportunity to give back to those coming up behind them. Having spent years working in airline training, Thomas hopes to continue sharing that experience in the future.

“A great opportunity would be to join the training department and work in the corporate office,” Thomas said. “Applying my years of experience to help develop the next generation of pilots is something that really interests me.”

Ana shares that same passion for mentorship and professional development.

“I've always loved teaching and mentoring,” said Ana. “I hope to eventually become involved in training, help develop other pilots and contribute however I can outside the flight deck.”

For both pilots, aviation has always been about more than operating an aircraft. It's about contributing to the profession, supporting fellow crew members, and helping shape the future of the industry.

Timing is Everything

In today's hiring environment, waiting months — or even a year — for a class date can significantly impact a pilot's career plans. Both Thomas and Ana cited Envoy's efficient hiring process and rapid class placement as important factors.

“Comparing Envoy's rapid placement in a class contrasted with legacy airlines that could take several months, or even into the next year before a class date became available, made a significant difference,” Thomas said.

For Ana, who was navigating a furlough, the ability to start quickly provided welcome stability during an uncertain time.

“Finding an opportunity that allowed me to start so quickly gave me a sense of security during a stressful period,” Ana said.

When asked what they would tell another pilot considering a change, both emphasized taking a long-term view.

“Don't let fear keep you from opportunities that align better with your long-term goals,” Ana said. “Every career decision should be about where you can continue learning, growing and building the future you want.”

Thomas’ advice was equally straightforward.

“I would tell a pilot who is considering making a change to weigh several factors, including time to upgrade, base locations and movement of the seniority list,” Thomas shared.

Onward and Upward

While every pilot's career journey is unique, Captain Thomas Gilmore and First Officer Ana Stolica arrived at the same conclusion.

They weren't simply looking for another airline. They were looking for a place where their experience would be respected, where opportunities remained ahead of them, and where they could continue building the careers they envisioned.

For Thomas, the decision was ultimately about finishing a lifelong aviation career in a place where his experience would be valued. The ability to join as a direct entry captain, receive credit for decades of Part 121 experience and continue contributing through mentorship and training opportunities made Envoy a natural fit for the final chapter of his career.

For Ana, joining Envoy allows her to continue to grow as a pilot, mentor and lead within an organization that values development and initiative.

Their stories reflect a reality familiar to many professional aviators: sometimes the most important career move isn't about starting over; it's about finding the right place to keep moving forward.