Purple Runway

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

FedEx has updated our industry-leading pilot development program, Purple Runway – A FedEx Pathways 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 – A FedEx Pathways Program Eligibility

  • Candidate must be employed at eligible feeder airline 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 FedEx interview process

 

Purple Runway – A FedEx Pathways 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 after program admittance
  • Complete jet familiarization course
  • Regular interaction, networking and campus visit at FedEx
  • Possess an 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 Purple Runway - A FedEx Pathways Program, please contact one of our participating feeder operators below.


Empire
Mountain Air
IFL
IFL

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.


 

 

Feeder Network Map

Congratulations to Our Newest Purple Runway Pilots

 
Jeff Kozak
Jeff Kozak
IFL Group
Tyler Strate
Tyler Strate
IFL Group
Mitchell Kunz
Mitchell Kunz
IFL Group
Ezekiel “Zeke” Douwes
Ezekiel “Zeke” Douwes
Empire Airlines
Jason Mellerstig
Jason Mellerstig
Empire Airlines
Vaibhav Patel
Vaibhav Patel
Empire Airlines
Matthew Rupprecht
Matthew Rupprecht
Mountain Air Cargo
Bryce Kidd
Bryce Kidd
Mountain Air Cargo
Will Drzycimski
Will Drzycimski
Mountain Air Cargo
Jeremy Downs
Jeremy Downs
Mountain Air Cargo
Dennis Hacker
Dennis Hacker
Mountain Air Cargo
Stephen Wilkerson
Stephen 'Cody' Wilkerson
Mountain Air Cargo
Hunter Chandler
Hunter Chandler
Mountain Air Cargo
Ryan Pegg
Ryan Pegg
Mountain Air Cargo
David Shirley
David Shirley
Mountain Air Cargo
Braden Bell
Braden Bell
Mountain Air Cargo
Jason Rhynard
Jason Rhynard
Mountain Air Cargo

Success Stories

Courtney Wright
Courtney Wright

Bob Suzuki
Bob Suzuki

Michael VanHoy
Michael VanHoy

Joshua Taylor
Joshua Taylor

Jason Warner
Jason Warner

Kevin Gaul
Kevin Gaul

Lindsay Ervin

Jonathan Welch

Ready to get started

Be employed by a qualifying FedEx Feeder

Join the Purple Runway - A FedEx Pathways Program

Build required time, experience, and have fun!

Flow to FedEx in 3 years


Upcoming Events

 

2024

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, Mountain Air Cargo and Corporate Air 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?

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!
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.  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.

11. If I’m not employed by a feeder airline, is there any other way to enroll in the program?

Currently, Mountain Air Cargo, IFL Group, Empire Airlines and Corporate Air 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’ aircraft experience requirements, the Cessna SkyCourier is now part of the Purple Runway Pathways Program, along with our fleet of ATR aircraft.

 

If you would like to join the Purple Runway - A FedEx Pathways Program, please contact one of our participating feeder operators below.

Empire
Mountain Air
IFL
IFL
For further information, contact fedexpurplerunway@fedex.com.