Kalitta Air Careers livery will adorn the side of the Top Fuel dragster driven by Shawn Langdon in a bid to recruit pilots and mechanics at the upcoming Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals in Kent, Wash., from July 21-23, 2023. This initiative extends beyond the dragster to include a comprehensive employee-recruiting strategy across various social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, as well as traditional media outlets, including aviation journals and other digital and print publications. Additionally, plans are underway to incorporate an on-site component in the near future.

The Kalitta Air Careers Top Fuel dragster will represent the company for the remainder of the 2023 season, except for the Nevada NHRA Nationals on The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in late October, where FES Lighting will be the primary partner for Langdon’s Toyota team.

Owner of Kalitta Air, Connie Kalitta, expressed his enthusiasm for leveraging the motorsports team’s assets to raise awareness about the airline’s efforts to recruit pilots, mechanics, and staff. 

“We couldn’t be happier to utilize the motorsports team and the assets we have in place to spread the word about our efforts to hire pilots, mechanics, and staff for the airline,” Kalitta said. “My aviation and racing businesses are my long-term passions, and this is the perfect opportunity for the two to work together. We are among the best in the business in the air and among the best in the business on the racetrack – that’s a great combination.”

In preparation for the influx of new Boeing 777 freighters, which will enhance fuel efficiency and flight range while prioritizing environmental friendliness, Kalitta Air utilizes its Michigan training facility equipped with five simulators for certification and on-the-job continuing education.
Those interested in joining Kalitta Air as pilots can look forward to working in a thrilling global-airlift environment. The airline operates scheduled and ad-hoc trips using Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft. Pilots are based in their home cities, with Kalitta Air covering their transportation to and from trips. The airline also offers competitive compensation, medical benefits, and retirement plans.

Kalitta Air’s senior vice president and deputy chief operating officer, Heath Nicholl, highlighted the experienced team responsible for the airline’s day-to-day operations and their commitment to growth despite challenging circumstances. He pointed out the company experienced significant growth, jumping from the 23rd largest cargo carrier to the 13th largest. He emphasized the immediate need for pilots and mechanics to sustain this growth.

“We work every day to grow our airline through the well-established board and management team that runs our day-to-day operations,” Kalitta Air senior vice president and deputy chief operating officer Heath Nicholl said. “Within this group is a very experienced team of vice presidents that manage operations, maintenance, human resources, and executive management.

Kalitta Air’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility in Oscoda, Mich., provides essential services such as heavy checks, major overhauls, repairs, line maintenance assistance, and quick-response assistance. They also maintain maintenance outstations in strategic locations across the United States, including Los Angeles, New York, Cincinnati, Anchorage, and Honolulu.

Kalitta Air also offers an apprentice program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, enabling participants to receive payment and employee benefits while learning alongside experienced mechanics. Through this program, FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification can be obtained in approximately 30 months, with a minimum starting hourly wage of $24. No prior aviation experience is necessary, though applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old.

Chad Head, general manager of Kalitta Motorsports, stressed the honor of assisting Kalitta Air in recruiting pilots and mechanics. He looks forward to expanding this recruitment effort to race tracks as plans develop further.

“To say we’re honored to help Kalitta Air recruit pilots and mechanics is a pretty big understatement,” Head said. “Kalitta Motorsports and Kalitta Air already work together a lot, so it makes perfect sense for us to use the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing series platform and our NHRA on FOX broadcasts to tell the Kalitta Air story and help them recruit the people they need. We look forward to expanding this effort to some presence at race tracks as we refine planning going forward.”

Langdon expressed his enthusiasm for being part of Kalitta Air’s growth plans, acknowledging the airline’s remarkable progress as a business. He also recognized Connie Kalitta’s status as a legend in both NHRA Drag Racing and aviation. Langdon extolled the privilege of contributing to these recruitment efforts and expressed the desire to continue supporting Kalitta Air’s growth.

“It’s great to be a part of the growth plans at Kalitta Air,” Langdon added. “What Connie built over the years is such a great business, and if we can help promote the airline to pilots and mechanics, we’re excited to do that. We’ll do everything we can to keep Kalitta Air growing.
 
“It’s a privilege to help with this effort, but I feel that way about working for Kalitta Motorsports, too. Connie is such a legend in NHRA Drag Racing, but he’s a legend in aviation, too. Every time I go to a trade show for Kalitta Air or visit the maintenance facility in Oscoda (Mich.), I get a whole new appreciation for Kalitta Air – it’s just a huge business, and it’s awesome to be part of it.”