Purple Runway
Empire
Mountain Air
IFL

Your opportunity for an aviation career at FedEx just got better.

FedEx has updated our industry-leading pilot development program – FedEx Purple Runway Pathway Program!

FedEx is the world's largest cargo airline, with more than 5,800 of the world's most skilled pilots and a fleet of more than 400 jets equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and technology. This complements the fleet of over 300 turbo-prop aircraft owned by FedEx and operated by Independent 'Feeder' Airlines. The program demonstrates the importance of our Feeder operators to the FedEx network, while enabling the recruitment and retention of pilots who wish to develop their skills and experience, and transition to FedEx with our new GUARANTEED Flow.

New Program Highlights:

  • Upfront FedEx mainline interview
  • No longer a six month wait to join program
  • Interviews modified to meet experience level of candidate
  • Guaranteed flow to FedEx mainline when program conditions are met
  • College Degree is no longer required! We understand and value the previous experience attained through other endeavors
  • Regular interaction with FedEx team

 

What Sets a Feeder Pilot Job Apart from Other Carriers:

  • Quality of Life of a Feeder Pilot
  • Paid full salary from date of hire
  • Daily out and back from base
  • No multiple day trips away from home
  • Most schedules have weekends and holidays off

 

Purple Runway Pathway Program Eligibility

  • Candidate must be employed at eligible Feeder as a Pilot
  • Ability to hold a first class medical
  • Stable previous employment history
  • Pilot has not previously tested or interviewed with FedEx for a trunk ( jet) position
  • Eligible to work in U.S., possess a U.S. Passport, and qualify for rapid visa issuance
  • Complete FedEx applicant profile Signed program authorization and commitment paperwork
  • Successfully pass the mainline interview process

 

Purple Runway Pathway Program Completion

  • Acceptable attendance, reliability, and performance records
  • Complete initial evaluation and all recurrent training (no training or line check failures)
  • Complete minimum service and hour obligation to feeder operators: at least 36 months of active service and a minimum of 500 hours as PIC for multi-engine turbo prop aircraft
  • Complete jet transition course
  • Regular interaction, networking and campus visit at FedEx
  • Possess a FAA First class medical
  • Possess an Unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
  • Successfully complete program waypoints and meet all minimum requirements for mainline first officer at FedEx

For the opportunity to be part of the new Purple Runway Program, please contact one of our participating Feeder operators below.


    Empire Airlines    Mountain Air Cargo  IFL Group

The FedEx Feeder Network

The FedEx feeder network is a strategic component of the overall global linehaul network, serving markets too small for direct FedEx air linehaul service. The Feeder network is powered by nearly 300 aircraft under 60,000 pounds maximum gross take-off weight. These aircraft serve over 250 locations around the world.

The FedEx feeder fleet complements the company’s jet fleet of more than 400 aircraft, including Boeing 777s, 767s, 757s, MD11s, and Airbus 300s.

 

The FedEx Feeder Network

Feeder Network Map

Our Most Recent Success Stories

Courtney Wright
Courtney Wright

I was working at FedEx as a Project Engineer in 2018 when the Purple Runway was introduced. I had been a Blackhawk helicopter pilot in the Army but had gotten out of flying when I left the military. I was encouraged to get back into flying while working at FedEx and the introduction of the Purple Runway dovetailed perfectly with that timing. 

Everyone at FedEx, including my boss, people in Flight Operations and FedEx pilots, were very encouraging about getting back into flying and working toward becoming a FedEx pilot.

I was hired at Mountain Air Cargo in October 2019 as a Memphis-based ATR42/72 First Officer. I spent an amazing four years with Mountain Air Cargo as a First Officer and then an ATR Captain. It was a wonderful place to work with awesome people, great camaraderie and fantastic management.

I had many opportunities to work with the Purple Runway and FedEx Feeder Operations at various recruiting events.  The Purple Runway and hiring managers at FedEx communicated regularly with me and encouraged me along the path toward my FedEx qualifications. 

I can’t imagine a better path toward becoming a FedEx pilot. I will miss my friends at MAC but look forward to fulfilling my goal of being a FedEx pilot. 

Bob Suzuki
Bob Suzuki

I joined Mountain Air Cargo in June 2018. I learned about the Purple Runway Program after I joined the company and enrolled in it as soon as I was qualified.  I received so much support and mentorship from fellow MAC pilots, other Purple Runway candidates, management, and our Chief Pilot. They helped me develop into the pilot I am today, and I am sure I couldn’t have done it without them.

If your future goal is to be a FedEx Pilot, this is the best way to make your dream come true.

Good luck, and hopefully, I’ll see you on FedEx jets.

 

 

Michael VanHoy
Your Turn is Next
Michael VanHoy

I was hired as an ATR First Officer at Mountain Air Cargo and joined the Purple Runway Program six months later. During my time at Mountain Air Cargo, I took advantage of flying some of the more "exotic" routes out of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and Miami, Florida. Outside of flying I took advantage of trying to assist operations in a positive direction. I became part of the Safety Committee and Jumpseat Committee. The safety committee's goal is to keep safety the number one priority of the company and amongst the pilots. As a team, we were able to bring more attention to safety and have the needle continue to move in a positive direction. As a member of the Jumpseat Committee, I was available for questions about the program to those within as well as outside of the company. During the last few months at Mountain Air Cargo, our company started to finalize our new Company Flight Manuals.

The commitment you make to feeder operations is rewarded by an opportunity to become a FedEx pilot. When I arrived in Memphis for testing, I was met with smiling faces and a calming environment. Everyone knows how big this opportunity is and they want you to be successful in this process. After successfully completing the Jet Transition Course, it was time to prepare for the in-person interview. You arrive in Memphis and meet the rest of the interview group. The individuals conducting the interview remind you that you are there because they want to hire you.

I am thankful for everyone at Mountain Air Cargo who encouraged me and taught me along the way. I am grateful for the Purple Runway Program because it gave me a pathway to my dream career at FedEx. To everyone going through the program, take full advantage of every opportunity presented to you and remember the "Purple Promise" in everything you do.

I encourage everyone who goes through this process to have fun with it and enjoy every step because with hard work and a good attitude, you will be a FedEx pilot.

Joshua Taylor
Look no further than Mountain Air Cargo!
Joshua Taylor

When I was hired at Mountain Air Cargo, I was about 80 hours short of satisfying the crosscountry airplane PIC time for an ATP, because I flew helicopters in the Navy. Although the task was daunting and at times seemed unattainable, I knew I wanted to be a FedEx Pilot, and felt the best course of action would be to start on FedEx Feeder routes. I flew the Cessna Caravan on the part 135 side of MAC in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and after completing the minimums for an ATP, I was scheduled for ATR training. At the beginning of my part 121 career at MAC, the Purple Runway Pathway did not exist. Once the Program was created, I knew that it was the best opportunity I would have at getting an interview, which tends to be the most challenging part of earning a spot in the illustrious group of FedEx pilots.

As the first candidate to complete the entire three-year Pathway, I am humbled and grateful for the opportunities afforded to me during my tenure at Mountain Air Cargo. MAC has prepared me for every facet of the FedEx interview process, and more importantly for a career as a FedEx pilot. Having limited airline knowledge and zero airline experience, Mountain Air Cargo gave me the chance to learn about the express transport sector of aviation. The Captains at MAC rapidly prepared me for transition to the left seat in 16 months. Although the headquarters staff was not collocated at my base, their support was integral to my success in this aviation environment. MAC has groomed me into the professional pilot FedEx wanted to add to their team.

Look no further than Mountain Air Cargo! This is the best place to start your airline career and become the pilot FedEx wants operating their trunk fleet of jets around the world

Jason Warner
The Purple Runway Experience Made My Goals a Reality
Jason Warner, First Officer

Before going to Mountain Air Cargo, I had the vision of one day flying for FedEx Express. However, with no turbine PIC time, I was not qualified to make that move. Mountain Air was a great opportunity to build that much needed time as well as see how the FedEx team works. It was a great experience to do some of the same type of flying to the communities that FedEx Express serves. Because of this experience, I was even more certain that FedEx Express was where I wanted to end up flying.

As I was building my turbine PIC time, FedEx announced the Purple Runway program. I count myself blessed to be able to have successfully participated in the program. My experience as a participant was outstanding. It was exciting to know I was one step closer to completion as each task was accomplished. One of the things I appreciate the most about the program is you still need to put in a tremendous amount of effort to achieve your goal, but the program gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your progress in an efficient timeframe.

All of the individuals I worked with during the Purple Runway program at Mountain Air Cargo, FedEx Express and Flight Safety were professional and interested in my success. I believe participation in the program potentially eliminated many years of waiting to be interviewed at FedEx Express. I encourage all who are interested in one day flying for FedEx to consider the Purple Runway option. I will always appreciate the support and encouragement from the many people that make the Purple Runway possible.

 

Kevin Gaul
Finding the Purple Route
Kevin Gaul, First Officer

I got my first taste of flying when my Boy Scout troop went to an EAA fly-in breakfast and loved it from the time the wheels left the runway.  My family was not in aviation, so I had no idea where I wanted to end up, but I knew I had found my dream.

I earned my certifications during college and the grand adventure started.  I worked at several airlines big and small, flying everything from a Cessna 208 to an Embraer 170, and while I liked working with passengers, the instability meant several moves.  One of those moves brought us to Memphis, where I got my first real look at FedEx and saw how strong they support the community.  It was clear how everyone, from the handlers to the executives, work side by side in their local areas and I knew I wanted to be a part of that kind of teamwork.

I started at Mountain Air Cargo and discovered the stability that cargo provides and saw the FedEx operation firsthand.  I was fortunate to fly with some of the best pilots and some great mentors along the way.  When the Purple Runway program was announced, I took my chance and signed up.  Everyone involved could not hide their passion for FedEx, this program, and the desire to make it a success.  The path was not easy, but I feel like I had a head start going into class.

While no two pilots take the same route to get to where they want to be, this program provides the opportunity to get lined up for a landing at FedEx.




My Path to FedEx
Lindsay Ervin, First Officer

During my senior year of high school, I was struggling to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up. I had the opportunity to go on a flight with my neighbor, who was a retired airline pilot. John had known I was not interested in the medical field like the rest of my family.

It is hard to describe, but I loved flying instantly. I knew it was a perfect fit for me.

I spent over four and a half years at Mountain Air Cargo. During my time I have not only improved my piloting skills but have met and worked with a ton of great people.  

The first time I heard of the Purple Runway Pathway Program, I thought it was a great opportunity.  It has always been my dream to work for FedEx and I was amazed there was a pathway to achieve my goal.

I am extremely excited to be one of the first to complete the program.  It is an amazing opportunity. The welcoming response throughout FedEx has been exciting to see firsthand.

After operating for FedEx through Mountain Air Cargo, I have seen firsthand what a great company FedEx is.

My advice for future Purple Runway pilots is to stick with it.  If FedEx is your dream, keep up the hard work, the payoff is well worth the effort.

 

 

No Matter Where You Are In Your Flight Career

We Have a Spot That’s Just Right For You!

Career Path
SIC Program Learn More

Upcoming Events

 

2024

April 13 | Purdue Aviation Day

June 3-5 | Professional Asian Pilots Association,
Las Vegas, Nevada

July 22-28 | EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

August 21 – 23 | OBAP Presented by FedEx, Memphis, TN

September 12- 13 | Latino Pilots Association Conference
Orlando, FL

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are all Feeder Pilots eligible for the program?

The FedEx Purple Runway Program is available for current Empire Airlines, IFL Group and Mountain Air Cargo pilots meeting the minimum requirements.

2. Do you have to be employed at the Feeder Airline to participate in the program?

Yes. Here are some useful tips to ensure your FedEx Pilot Profile is up to date:
Download PDF.

3. If I am approved as a candidate in the Program, am I guaranteed a job at FedEx Express?

Yes! Participants that successfully complete all Program eligibility requirements and complete all waypoints throughout the Program will direct flow to FedEx mainline.

4. How long does the Program take?

Each situation is unique, and it depends on how long it takes you to satisfy the Pilot in Command (PIC) requirements – however 36 months is the minimum commitment.

5. How does the Program work?
  • Obtain employment as a qualified pilot at one of our applicable Feeder Airlines
  • Complete a Program Agreement, Candidate Release, and a FedEx Purple Runway Application
  • If all pre-requisites are met, you will participate in the hiring process at FedEx to include remote computer-based testing, panel interview, and SBI
  • Complete all waypoints, experience gates, background requirements, and FedEx first officer minimum qualifications
  • Direct Flow to FedEx as a First Officer!
  • At this time, the Purple Runway Pathway Program is available at: Empire Airlines, Mountain Air Cargo, and IFL Group
6. If a pilot has already interviewed at FedEx and was turned down, can they participate in the program?

No. The program is limited to Feeder pilots who have not previously tested or interviewed with FedEx for a pilot job.

7. Is there a limit on the number of Program Participants FedEx will hire?

FedEx may impose reasonable limits on the number of participants enrolled in the program and the number hired as trunk pilots in any given calendar year.

8. Will program failures impact employment at the Feeder?

No. Your performance on FedEx related milestones does not impact your employment at the Feeder.

9. Why should you choose a FedEx Feeder for a pathway to FedEx?

As a FedEx Feeder pilot, you will be able to gain the experience you need for a seamless transition to FedEx Express.  This includes operating FedEx-owned aircraft within the same system/locations as current FedEx flight crewmembers.

10. What’s the relationship between Feeder airlines and FedEx mainline?

FedEx maintains a contractual relationship with its group of feeder Operators with FedEx owning the aircraft and the Operators conducting all aspects (flight ops, a/c mx, flight following/dispatch, etc.) In short, our Feeders are independent regional airlines operating on behalf of FedEx Express.

11. If I’m not employed by either MAC, IFL Group, and Empire Airlines, is there any other way to enroll in the program?

Currently, Mountain Air Cargo, IFL Group, and Empire Airlines are the only Feeder operators participating in the program. Our Cessna Caravan operators do, however, have MOUs between the Purple Runway operators for internal recruitment.

12. Will the new 408 SkyCourier be integrated into the program in any capacity?

YES! As the aircraft meets FedEx Express’ aircraft experience requirements, the Cessna SkyCourier is now part of the Purple Runway Pathway Program, along with our fleet of ATR aircraft.