Horizon Air's pilots have ratified a new retention agreement with the carrier. The Alaska Air Group subsidiary says over 91% of its more than 700 pilots, who are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, voted to ratify the agreement, which was passed by 99%. The deal is aimed at supporting and retaining Horizon's pilots as "mainline airlines continue hiring pilots away from regional airlines at record levels," airline adds. The ratification comes after a tentative agreement was reached with Teamsters on 2 September. The agreement covers pay increases, enhancements to retirement benefits, as well as improved commuter policies and instructor benefits. The airline's president Joe Sprague states: "Horizon Air is proud to serve communities throughout the West – places that we call home. The ongoing industry pilot shortage has put a strain on this service, and it's more critical than ever that we attract and retain our talented pilots." The pilot shortage and the transition to a single fleet of Embraer 175 aircraft has resulted in a temporary reduction of Horizon's scheduled flying. The carrier says the new agreement with Horizon pilots complements other efforts that are expanding and diversifying the pilot pipeline through investments in the Ascend Pilot Academy and the pilot development programme. “This is a priority, as Alaska and Horizon estimate the need to hire 500 pilots each year through 2025,” it notes.

Wizz Air has reopened its base in Chisinau, Moldova, with three aircraft. The central European budget carrier says it is resuming 15 routes operated from Chisinau and increasing frequencies on three existing routes. Acting network officer Evelin Jeckel states: "Now passengers can travel with Wizz Air on 21 routes from Chisinau to 11 countries."

Australia’s Regional Express has received a no objection notification from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) with regards to its intention to acquire 100% of fly-in fly-out services provider National Jet Express. "With this FIRB approval, Rex foresees the completion of the purchase to take place on 30 September, having earlier received no objection from the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC)," the operator disclosed to the Australian Securities Exchange today, in a statement dated 16 September. Rex subsidiary Rex Freight and Charter indicated in mid-July that it had agreed to acquire the regional services arm of Cobham Aviation Services Australia. In the same statement, the operator reiterates that it “does not comment on market speculation or rumours” regarding media reports that Virgin Australia is assessing a purchase of Rex.