American is slated to become the latest U.S. airline to remove the CRJ-200 from its network. The carrier is planning a regional shake-up later this year.
An American Eagle CRJ-200 aircraft (Photo: Air Wisconsin)
American is slated to become the latest U.S. airline to remove the CRJ-200 from its regional network. On Friday, the carrier and Air Wisconsin announced plans to terminate their partnership after less than two years.
Air Wisconsin was American’s only CRJ-200 operator, serving several markets primarily from Chicago O’Hare. For the regional carrier, American was its only mainline partner.
The Appleton, Wisconsin-based airline says it will focus on charters and government-subsidized flying with its fleet of over 60 CRJ-200 jets after the contract ends in April.
Who Picks Up the Flying?
According to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data, Air Wisconsin operates around 35 CRJ-200s under the American Eagle banner at the time of writing. The aircraft have an average age of 22 years old.
Air Wisconsin’s January 2025 network (Photo: Cirium Diio)
The latest Cirium Diio schedule update provides some visibility on how American will backfill the flying. Per this weekend’s update, Air Wisconsin is currently scheduled to stop flying for American on April 3, 2025.
American’s final CRJ-200 flight is slated to depart Chicago O’Hare at 8:40 p.m. local time, arriving in Kalamazoo, Michigan, at 10:45 p.m. as flight 6102. Of course, this is subject to change.
As an example, the return flight from Kalamazoo on April 4 is scheduled on a Piedmont Embraer E145.
American’s regional operations from Chicago O’Hare (Photo: Cirium Diio)
American’s wholly-owned regional subsidiaries ‒ Envoy, Piedmont, and PSA ‒ are scheduled to pick up a considerable amount of flying from Chicago in the second quarter. SkyWest will also add around 73% more flights on behalf of American from its O’Hare hub.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
Inside a Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight deck at the Farnborough Airshow (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Scheduling is critical to every airline pilot’s career, as aviation is a time-sensitive industry. Whether you are preparing to take off for your next work trip or attend annual flight training, planning and scheduling elements dictate your every move.
Furthermore, work is just one element of your busy life, and balancing your job and life schedules effectively is essential. In today’s digital era, calendar apps bring order to chaos, allowing you to manage time more effectively and enhance schedule coordination even on the go.
So, let us explore the best calendar apps to integrate with your demanding schedule and bring order to your work and life as we approach another new year.
Quick Look: 5 Calendar Apps to Help Pilots With Managing Schedules
Best for users who prioritize Apple devices: Apple Calendar
Best for users who prioritize Android devices: Google Calendar
Best for users who prioritize integration: Outlook Calendar
Best for users who prioritize collaboration: TimeTree
Best for users who prioritize family organization: Cozi
Apple Calendar
Best for: Users who prioritize Apple devices
Apple Calendar is a digital calendar app that was created by Apple. It lets users keep track of their schedules and share them with others.
Integration: Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and other compatible calendars
Reminders and alerts: Default and custom notifications (e.g., event reminders, shared calendar message notifications, etc.)
Collaboration: Shared calendar and event capability
Additional features: Manage multiple calendars with color-coded events; join FaceTime calls through app events; use Siri to add/view events; add File app attachments to events
Disadvantages:
The app is built specifically for the Apple ecosystem, which can have limited compatibility. However, it is still accessible on other non-Apple devices.
Some individuals prefer paper alternatives to electronic scheduling apps. Therefore,products like the Amazon Echo Show 15 are a great middle ground between paper calendars and mobile devices.
Price: Free app to use with an Apple account
Google Calendar
Best for: Users who prioritize Android devices
Google Calendar is a digital calendar app developed by Google. It is a widely used time-management and scheduling calendar service.
Integration: Apple Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and other compatible calendars
Reminders and alerts: Default and custom notifications (e.g., event reminders, location-based alerts, etc.)
Collaboration: Shared calendar and event capability
Additional features: Manage multiple calendars with color-coded events; see other users’ availability side by side; automatically add new events from Gmail; automatically add video conferencing to events
Disadvantages:
The app is built specifically for the Google ecosystem, which has limited integration capabilities but can still be synchronized with other non-Google digital calendars.
Some individuals prefer paper alternatives to electronic scheduling apps. Therefore,products like the Skylight Calendar are a great middle ground between paper calendars and mobile devices.
Price: Free app to use with a Google account
Outlook Calendar
Best for: Users who prioritize integration
Outlook Calendar is a Microsoft-created digital calendar app commonly used by airlines and businesses. As a result, it offers a fantastic opportunity to integrate with personal needs.
Integration: Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, and other compatible calendars
Reminders and alerts: Default and custom notifications (e.g., event reminders, location-based alerts, etc.)
Collaboration: Shared calendar and event capability via Microsoft 365 Group
Additional features: Create dedicated calendar folders for specific needs; automatically add events from Outlook email; share calendars with others; set permissions for others to manage events
Disadvantages:
The cost of the Microsoft 365 plans is higher than most other digital calendar apps.
Price: Free app; upgrade to Microsoft 365 Basic for $19.99/year; upgrade to Microsoft 365 Personal for $69.99/year; upgrade to Microsoft 365 Family for $99.99/year (upgrade available as in-app purchase)
TimeTree
Best for: Users who prioritize collaboration
TimeTree is a digital calendar app and collaborative planning tool. It was designed to allow households to streamline their scheduling.
Integration: Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and other compatible calendars
Reminders and alerts: Default and custom notifications (e.g., event reminders, real-time schedule updates, message notifications, etc.)
Collaboration: Shared calendar and event capability, in-app messaging available
Additional features: Create shared calendars for distinct groups; set event priority settings; enjoy in-app file sharing; vertical calendar view available in TimeTree Premium version
Disadvantages:
The TimeTree app involves a learning curve, especially when setting it up for the first time.
Some individuals prefer paper alternatives to electronic scheduling apps. Therefore,products like the APOFIAL Digital Calendar are a great middle ground between paper calendars and mobile devices.
Price: Free plan available with basic functions; upgrade to TimeTree Premium for $4.49/month or $44.99/year (upgrade available as in-app purchase)
Cozi
Best for: Users who prioritize family organization
Cozi is one of the best family organizer apps to help households stay organized and connected. Its main focus is on shared calendars and innovative list-making functions.
Integration: Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and other compatible calendars
Reminders and alerts: Default and custom notifications (e.g., event reminders, schedule updates, real-time message notifications, etc.)
Collaboration: Shared calendar and event capability, in-app messaging available
Additional features: Ability to create and share grocery lists; ability to manage do-to lists; ability to plan meals and store recipes; enjoy a user-friendly interface accessible to users of all ages
Disadvantages:
The Cozi app was designed to accommodate the demanding schedules of families, which may not suit everyone’s needs.
Price: Free plan available with basic functions; upgrade to Cozi Gold for $19.49/year for the first year, then $39/year (upgrade available as in-app purchase)
Key Features to Consider in Calendar Apps
Many apps and tools are available on the market to assist you withmanaging your flying schedule, from systems that allow you to bid smarter and be more confident in your bidding choices to online portals and apps where you can view your schedule and any changes. However, once the flying schedule is posted for the upcoming month, it is just as important to integrate it into your calendar and ensure a well-balanced timetable for your demanding life.
Here are some key features to consider when choosing the calendar app to integrate between work and life:
Flight scheduling integration of calendar apps
Calendar apps should allow you to seamlessly integrate withflight scheduling software, allowing flying schedules to be imported directly into the calendar app.
Flexibility and customization of calendar apps
Calendar apps should allow you to customize views (e.g., day, week, month) and color-code different schedules, individuals, and events.
Notifications and collaboration of calendar apps
Calendar apps should be able to send and receive scheduling updates and include real-time notifications for schedule changes.
Data security and privacy of calendar apps
The aviation industry is safety and security conscious, so calendar apps should have robust security measures to protect sensitive personal and flight data.
Ease of use and simplicity of calendar apps
Calendar apps should be simple to use and should easily integrate with the intricacies of airline scheduling.
Choosing the Right App for Your Needs
Choosing the right calendar app for your needs requires you to consider your and your family’s unique needs and preferences. Most apps are available for free or offer free trials before requiring you to commit to a long-term subscription, so sign up for free and check out each mobile app to see if it is right for you. Visit the App Store or Google Play.
The internet is also a bottomless pit of information, so read user reviews and compare the top features of each app to determine which one best suits your demanding lifestyle. Lastly, consult with other aviators for recommendations, as many of them have been in your situation before, and can aid you in providing product options and recommendations.
Inside the flight deck on Honeywell’s 757 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)
FAQ
What apps do most pilots use?
Pilots use many apps to conduct their tasks, from LogTen (i.e., digital logbook) for digitally logging their flight time, currency, and endorsements to CloudAhoy (i.e., digital flight log) for assisting them in postflight debriefing. Pilots also use weather apps, electronic flight bag apps, document viewing apps, and more for preflight, in-flight, and postflight purposes.
How do pilots know their schedule?
Pilots are made aware of their schedules depending on the airline or organization they work for, including via company scheduling systems, crew scheduling departments, monthly rosters, etc.
What is a pilot scheduler?
A pilot scheduler is a professional responsible for creating and managing the schedules of pilots and flight crews (e.g., flight attendants) while monitoring other aspects of the operation, including aircraft scheduling, maintenance operations, passenger considerations, airport procedures, and more.
How do I add flights to my calendar automatically?
Calendar apps like Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, and Outlook Calendar can automatically add flights to your calendar, depending on how and where you access your flight information and what settings you have set up on your device.
Is Flight Schedule Pro free?
Flight Schedule Pro is not free. This comprehensive software solution is designed to manage various aspects of flight operations and operates on a subscription-based model with different pricing plans. It is widely used among flight schools, pilot training centers, general aviation flying organizations, and more.
How do I save flight details to my calendar?
Calendar apps like Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, and Outlook Calendar can automatically add flights to your calendar, depending on how and where you access your flight information and what settings you have set up on your device. Flight details can also be added to your calendar manually.
AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.
Shanghai Airlines, a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines, is set to inaugurate a new route connecting Shanghai and Casablanca on January 19, 2025.
This long-haul service will operate three times a week — on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays — linking Shanghai Pudong International Airport with Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, with a stopover in Marseille.
Approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China in Q3 2024, Shanghai Airlines is authorized to operate up to five weekly flights on this route, reports Aviation Week.
The service will utilize Boeing 787-9 aircraft, configured with 285 seats, including 26 in business class. This new route is the airline’s second African service, following the Shanghai-Cairo connection launched in December 2024, which is operated using Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
The launch aligns with China Eastern Airlines’ strategic expansion into Africa, as Chinese tourism to the continent continues to grow. This development coincides with Royal Air Maroc’s (RAM) announcement to resume direct Casablanca-Beijing flights on January 20, 2025, also with three weekly flights.
Victor Shalton's love for aviation can be traced to when he was 11-years-old. As a seasoned aviation writer, he takes pride in providing the best aviation coverage around the globe and is passionate about advancing his skills in the aviation space. In addition, he loves travelling, writing, arts and while his speaking engagements have taken him around the world, he is proud to call Nairobi home.
An American 737-800 aircraft in Charlotte (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
A U.S. district judge for the northern district of Texas has ruled that American Airlines violated federal law by investing its employee 401(k) plans with a focus on social activism rather than the financial benefit of its workers.
According to a Reuters report, Judge Reed O’Connor said Friday that the carrier breached its legal duty to make investment decisions based only on the financial interests of beneficiaries when it allowed its asset manager, BlackRock, to focus on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) criteria.
American pilot Bryan Spence reportedly sued the carrier in 2023 over the ESG investments in a class action involving over 100,000 participants in the retirement plan. O’Connor said Friday that the carrier had breached its duty of loyalty to retirement plan participants, Reuters reported.
It is currently unclear if American will be penalized due to this ruling. According to a report by the Financial Times, O’Connor deferred judgment on whether plan participants suffered any losses.
AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.
Delta announced Friday that its employees will receive $1.4 billion as their share of the carrier’s 2024 profits as it celebrates its centennial anniversary.
Delta announced Friday that its employees will receive $1.4 billion as their share of the carrier’s 2024 profits as it celebrates its centennial anniversary this year.
The airline estimated that the payout will be 10% of employees’ eligible earnings, representing an average of five weeks in additional pay, according to a news release from the carrier. Eligible employees across the company will be paid bonuses on Feb. 14 – Delta’s profit-sharing day.
“Every day, Delta people prove themselves to be difference makers in this industry,” said CEO Ed Bastian in the release. “I’m proud to recognize their unmatched professionalism, teamwork and dedication to excellence with one of our strongest profit sharing years in Delta’s history.”
Delta has rewarded employees with over $10 billion in profit sharing in the last 10 years. The release stated Delta also offers monthly shared rewards for achievable operational goals, contributions to 401(k) retirement savings along with other employee benefits.
“This year’s profit sharing payout is a testament to the hard work of Delta people,” said Chief People Officer Allison Ausband in the release. “They recognize that our commitment to safety and world-class service builds trust with our customers – who in turn reward Delta with their loyalty.”
The company earned an adjusted operating revenue of $57 billion in 2024, 4.3% higher than the full year 2023, according to Delta’s full-year 2024 results. The carrier also reported a record December quarter with $14.4 billion in adjusted operating revenue.
“2024 was a great year for Delta with our results reflecting differentiation from the industry and increased durability,” Bastian said in Delta’s annual revenue report. “Our people finished the year strong, delivering industry-leading operational and financial performance. Sharing Delta’s success is core to our culture, and I’m excited to recognize our people’s outstanding efforts with $1.4 billion in profit sharing payments next month.”
AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.
Air Wisconsin is ending its regional capacity agreement with American in what it calls a “strategic shift.” The regional carrier announced the shake-up on Friday. It includes a broader focus on government-subsidized service.
The Appleton, Wisconsin-based airline says its capacity purchase agreement with American will end by April. The regional carrier currently operates around 30 CRJ-200s under the American Eagle brand, mostly from Chicago O’Hare.
In addition, the company says it will focus on charter operations.
An Air Wisconsin CRJ-200 aircraft (Photo: Shutterstock | Nathan Klemstein)
“This strategic shift underscores our adaptability and commitment to delivering reliable, customized air travel solutions where they are most needed,” said Robert Binns, president and CEO of Air Wisconsin, in a statement. “As we diversify into EAS and grow our charter operations, we remain committed to delivering safe, efficient, and quality service to every community and customer we serve.”
In 2022, the regional carrier announced a five-year agreement to fly up to 60 CRJ-200s for American Eagle, which began in March 2023. American is Air Wisconsin’s only mainline partner.
“American continually evaluates its regional network and makes strategic decisions that will benefit our airline and customers. As a result, we have begun reducing our schedule operated by Air Wisconsin starting in March, with the final Air Wisconsin-operated flights for American on April 3,” a spokesperson from American said in a statement. “We sincerely appreciate the hard work and dedication of the Air Wisconsin team over the past two years. Their contributions have been instrumental in supporting our regional operation, and we wish them continued success in the future. As we move forward, we remain committed to optimizing our network and ensuring the best possible service for our customers, and we’re working closely with our regional partners to minimize disruptions to our customers’ travel plans.”
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
The Latvian national airline delivered on a community contest sourced livery for its 50th plane. The uniquely painted aircraft will soon join the fleet.
An airBaltic A220 in a special livery (Photo: airBaltic)
Editor’s Note: AirlineGeeks is proud to present our ‘Livery of the Week’ series. Every Friday, a team member will share an airline livery, which can be from the past, present, or even a special scheme. Some airline liveries are works of art. The complexity associated with painting around critical flight components and the added weight requires outside-the-box thinking from designers. The average airliner can cost upwards of $200,000 to repaint, creating a separate aircraft repainting industry as a result.
Have an idea for a livery that we should highlight? Drop us a line.
Latvian national carrier, airBaltic, has unveiled its incoming special livery aircraft.
Following an open contest launched by the airline in late 2023, 840 entries for the livery of the 50th aircraft were submitted. The mentioned prize, aside from the design traveling around the world portrayed on an airplane, was said to be 3,000 EUR (3,100 USD) credit to be used on airBaltic services.
The airline shortlisted 21 designs for the vote, but disclaimed to select one of the top three by the popular vote. More than 28,000 airBaltic Club loyalty members placed their bids, with the selected design getting more than 30% of the votes total.
airBaltic’s special 50th aircraft livery (Photo: airBaltic)
A Proud Moment
For a small airline, the waves airBaltic sends into the aviation world are quite significant. The coming special livery is a testimony to its national and regional heritage and will be displayed on an airplane that in itself a significant milestone for the carrier, as well as for the manufacturer.
As the global launch customer of the Airbus A220-300, airBaltic is showcasing the performance and viability the jet is delivering. Given the geographical proximity, the airline is time after time throwing a gauntlet for its low-cost fierce competitors like Ryanair, Wizzair, or Norwegian.
For the Latvian carrier, this aircraft is only a midpoint on its current path to reaching a fleet of 100 aircraft by 2030.
Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic: “More than eight years ago, we became the global launch operator of the Airbus A220-300, and over the years, this aircraft type has become the backbone of our operations. This milestone aircraft marks the completion of our initial aircraft order and brings us halfway to our goal of operating a single-type fleet of 100 A220-300s and doubling in size by 2030.”
“airBaltic continues to lead the aviation industry in the Baltics, and with this rich culture in mind, we wanted the livery to reflect a glimpse of all the beauty the three Baltic nations have to offer. Every time this aircraft will take to the skies, it will proudly carry a small part of the Baltic spirit with it,” Gauss added.
Looking for a new airplane model? Head over to our friends at the Midwest Model Store for a wide selection of airlines and liveries.
A passionate aviation enthusiast that started off his career as an aerospace engineer, but found his true calling on the commercial side of the airline business. Now as a finance guy among avgeeks and an avgeek among finance guys, he has experience working in the Revenue Divisions of three airlines. In his spare time he enjoys traveling, but admittedly sometimes is more about the journey than the destination.
Delta 757 Evacuated in Snowy Atlanta
The Friday morning evacuation incident followed “an indication of an engine issue,” an airline spokesperson said in a statement.
A Delta 757 evacuates on the runway (Photo: Matt Cochran)
A Delta Boeing 757-300 was evacuated after an aborted takeoff in Atlanta on Friday. The evacuation followed “an indication of an engine issue,” an airline spokesperson said.
201 passengers and seven crew members were onboard. The aircraft – registered as N589NW – was operating flight 2668 to Minneapolis.
Some minor injuries have been reported. The airport is currently facing a winter weather event.
Photos on social media show passengers evacuating in the snow. Airport firetrucks can also be seen next to the aircraft’s No. 2 engine.
According to air traffic control audio recordings, airport crews noted smoke and flames coming from the engine. Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows the aircraft reached 85 knots before rejecting its takeoff.
“At 9:10 this morning an aircraft aborted takeoff at ATL. Passengers deplaned via emergency slides and were safely transported to a nearby concourse. Four passengers are reporting minor injuries; one was transported, the remaining three were treated on scene,” a spokesperson from the airport said in a statement.
“Operations at ATL are delayed due to the incident and the ongoing severe weather. The aircraft and the runway are expected to be cleared shortly.”
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
City of Safford leaders celebrate new service (Photo: City of Safford)
One Arizona airport will see scheduled flights again after a half-century hiatus. Safford Regional Airport lost all air service in 1975.
Safford has a population of just over 10,000. Located in eastern Arizona, the city is 165 miles from Phoenix.
Earlier this week, the airport’s newly resumed flights to Phoenix began. Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines operates the service twice per day with Cessna 208 Grand Caravan aircraft.
“It is the result of visionary leadership, [extraordinary] effort and shared commitment to moving Safford forward,” Safford Mayor Richard Ortega said, according to Gila Valley Central.
For Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines, the new route marks the carrier’s re-entry into commuter air service. The airline typically operates tour and sightseeing flights.
Flights from Safford depart from the airport’s terminal. In Phoenix, flights operate from the Jackson Jet Center at Sky Harbor Airport.
Cochise Airlines ended flights from Phoenix and Tucson to Safford in 1975. Frontier also previously served the city.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 at 9:22 a.m. ET to correct a misspelling.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
During the winter months, airports around the world are at risk of experiencing snowy and icy conditions. In many places, the cold season can last over half the year.
Winter weather poses significant challenges for airport and aircraft operations. One of these challenges is snow and ice buildup on aircraft surfaces. Accumulated ice on control surfaces such as the wings is a major safety concern.
Aircraft are therefore required to undergo deicing before taking to the skies under certain weather conditions. Deicing is a specialized field in aviation that offers unique job opportunities. Here is what you need to know about airplane deicer jobs.
Why Does Deicing Occur?
The shape of an airplane affects how it flies. Aircraft manufacturers design and build their aircraft to strict physical specifications, meaning that planes are very sensitive to any changes in its shape. In particular, airplanes rely on the airflow around the wings and horizontal stabilizer – the smaller “wings” that stick out above or below the tail – to generate lift.
Snow and ice on the wings and horizontal stabilizers of an aircraft change the shapes of these surfaces, thereby affecting their performance. Changes to these surfaces reduce lift and increase drag, which affects the ability of the airplane to take off and fly safely. It is therefore important for any ice or snow to be removed prior to takeoff.
There are also other hazards posed by snow and ice on an aircraft. Snow and ice can add weight, come loose and cause damage, or interfere with aircraft controls.
The first process involves spraying a glycol solution that is heated to 130 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. This fluid is usually orange in color and is sprayed at high pressure to remove contaminants like snow and ice. Deicers spray the top of the fuselage, the wings, and the horizontal stabilizer. To avoid too much strain on the aircraft surfaces, deicers will spray the fluid at an angle and avoid the windows.
In colder conditions, aircraft will then undergo an anti-icing spraying process as well. Although aircraft often have built-in anti-icing mechanisms, external help is sometimes needed. Anti-icing fluid helps prevent frozen precipitation and frost from adhering to aircraft surfaces. The fluid is thicker than deicing fluid and is typically green in color.
A TUI Boeing 757 gets deiced. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
After these processes are complete, the aircraft must take off within a certain window, known as the “holdover time.” This window refers to the period in which the aircraft can safely take off and is determined by what fluids were used and the outside conditions. If an aircraft does not take off during the holdover time, it must undergo deicing treatment again.
Depending on the airport and deicing provider, the spraying processes can occur at the gate or another designated area at the airport. Some airports have a “deicing pad” specifically for deicing operations.
What Skills Do You Need to be a Deicer?
Aircraft deicers work in challenging conditions and must be prepared accordingly. If you are interested in a deicing job, you have to be willing to work in extreme weather conditions such as hail and snow. Deicing trucks typically consist of a cab on an arm that gets raised above the aircraft. Deicers must therefore be comfortable with heights. You will also need to have the ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.
There are many workplace skills that are also important for deicing. Deicing is a highly coordinated operation, and communication skills are therefore critical. Deicers need to be able to work both independently and as a team. A strong ability to follow procedures and safety processes is also very important.
Deicers also need to have a valid driver’s license that allows them to operate the deicing trucks. You will also have to be able to pass any background checks and obtain an airport access pass.
Who Employs Airplane Deicers?
At some airports, individual airlines are responsible for deicing. In these cases, deicers are typically specially trained ramp agents hired by the airline or contracted ground handling companies.
In other cases, airports provide deicing services to all aircraft at their airport, typically through a third-party deicing contractor. Major companies in this space include Aeromag and IDS.
How to Find Airplane Deicer Jobs
You will first need to find out who provides deicing services at your local airport. As mentioned above, this could be an airline, a ground handling company, or a deicing company.
Airplane deicing jobs can be posted on job boards, company websites, or airport websites. Job postings usually appear in the months leading up to the winter season.
How Much Do Deicers Get Paid?
Deicer jobs – except those that also include general ramp duties – are typically seasonal contract roles. The pay varies depending on the location and employer, but hourly rates generally range from $15 to $25.
Andrew is a lifelong lover of aviation and travel. He has flown all over the world and is fascinated by the workings of the air travel industry. As a private pilot and glider pilot who has worked with airlines, airports and other industry stakeholders, he is always excited to share his passion for aviation with others. In addition to being a writer, he also hosts Flying Smarter, an educational travel podcast that explores the complex world of air travel to help listeners become better-informed and savvier travelers.
