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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Knights and PSA Airlines have announced a three-year partnership that makes PSA Airlines the Official Airlines of the Charlotte Knights. PSA Airlines, a proud wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, is relocating its headquarters to Charlotte in January 2026 and will have over 2,200 Charlotte-based team members, including over 400 in its new Queen City HQ.
“We are elated to partner with PSA Airlines and share their commitment of making a positive difference in the lives of each person they interact with on a daily basis,” said Knights Corporate Partnership Account Executive Jackson Hawthorne.
PSA Airline’s mission of always delivering satisfied customers to their destination, safely and on time is represented in every walk drawn by a Knights player over the next three seasons – safely traveling to first base. Their focus on creating opportunities for those interested in a career in aviation is signified in one of the best “all aboard” scoring opportunities at the ballpark, every time the Knights have the bases loaded. Finally, a first-class hospitality area at the ballpark, the First-Base Party Terrace, will be called the PSA Airlines Flight Deck.
“Like PSA, the Knights provide a first-class experience for fans throughout the Charlotte region. As we settle into our new headquarters city, partnering with the Knights was an easy choice, as they are such a vital part of the Uptown community, not only during baseball season but throughout the year,” said Vice President of Talent Management and HR Christine Hollanshead.
Dan Rajkowski, Chief Operating Officer & Vice President of the Charlotte Knights, has witnessed how The PSA Way of being Driven, Reliable, and Caring translates to the Knights dedication in the Charlotte community.
“We understand that a team of individuals dedicated to providing best possible experience for the customer makes all the difference,” stated Rajkowski. “The foundational values of PSA Airlines and the Charlotte Knights are altogether aligned.”
At PSA Airlines, the Aviation Parts Team plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our operations. Operating approximately 700 daily flights to over 100 destinations on behalf of American Airlines, our stores team members are essential to maintaining the high standards for our passengers.
The Backbone of Aircraft Maintenance
Our Aviation Parts Teams are responsible for managing the inventory of aircraft parts and ensuring that maintenance teams have the necessary components to perform their duties effectively. This includes coordinating shipments, inspecting components, cycle counts, and troubleshooting logistical challenges. The teams attention to detail and organizational skills are vital in keeping our fleet operational.
A Pathway to Career Growth
PSA Airlines offers a supportive environment for career advancement within the Aviation Parts Team. Entry-level positions provide opportunities to learn the basics of handling aircraft parts and understanding the processes that keep the aviation supply chain running smoothly. With dedication and continuous learning, team members can progress to managerial positions in procurement, operations, or even flight operations.
Join Us in Keeping the Skies Safe
If you’re interested in becoming part of a team that ensures the safety and efficiency of our operations, consider exploring opportunities on the Aviation Parts Team with PSA Airlines. We value innovation, growth, and dedication. Join our talent community today.
Charlotte, N.C., AUG. 20, 2025 – PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group and leading regional airline, today announced that Chris McCartney has joined the company Chief Operating Officer (COO).
McCartney, who comes to PSA from Allegiant Travel Company – where he was Senior Vice President of Maintenance and Engineering – will report to PSA’s president and CEO Dion Flannery. He is the company’s first-ever COO and will lead and be responsible for the safe and reliable operation of many critical aspects of the airline, including Flight and Inflight Operations; Crew Scheduling and Dispatch; and both Technical Services and Technical Operations within Maintenance.
McCartney’s appointment comes as PSA continues to grow its fleet, network footprint and base operations.
“Our airline has grown substantially over the past decade. We’ve added several new crew and maintenance bases, as well as hubs of operation; introduced trans-border flying into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean; tripled the number of aircraft we operate; and steadily increased our number of daily departures,” said Flannery. “Given this growth trajectory and with our headquarters relocation to Charlotte, North Carolina, we determined the need for a ‘C-level’ leader dedicated to operations. Chris McCartney’s airline leadership experience, deep understanding of regional aviation, and expertise reliability-centered maintenance and engineering make him a perfect fit for this strategic role. I’m confident he will help PSA deliver unprecedented great performance and further solidify our foundation for growth.”
McCartney joins PSA from Allegiant, where for the last six-plus years he was the head of maintenance and engineering. Prior to Allegiant, McCartney served in a variety of reliability-centered maintenance and engineering roles with increasing responsibility for Republic Airways. He began his career at Republic on the front line as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician before ascending to several maintenance and engineering management roles, including Manager of Engineering, Manager of Engineering Propulsion, Manager of Maintenance and Director of Maintenance, a role he held for over eight years.
With his deep understanding of maintenance, engineering and overall airline operations – including extensive knowledge of the regional airline industry – McCartney is recognized for his expertise in fleet and budget management, cost reduction, and continuous improvement. He has successfully implemented reliability-centered maintenance programs and integrated Lean Kaizen principles, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency and significant cost savings. His leadership is marked by a data-driven approach to decision-making, a commitment to upholding the highest safety standards, and a focus on fostering collaborative team cultures.
McCartney attended Vincennes University and later Embry Riddle University, where he received an associate degree in airline management. He holds an A&P Certificate, a private pilot’s certificate, and is an aircraft owner-operator.
About PSA Airlines
PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, operates an all-jet fleet of dual-class MHI regional jet aircraft. The company’s over 5,000 team members operate an average of over 750 daily flights to over 100 destinations. PSA has flight crew bases in Charlotte, N.C.; Dallas-Fort Worth; Dayton, Ohio; Philadelphia; and Washington, D.C. PSA has maintenance facilities in Dayton; Canton/Akron, Ohio; Cincinnati; Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth; Greenville, S.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Norfolk, Va.; Pensacola, Fla.; and Savannah, Ga. PSA has 60 MHI CRJ700 aircraft and 82 MHI CRJ900 aircraft, and recently announced the acquisition of additional CRJ900 aircraft (which will bring its fleet count to 154 once all aircraft have been inducted). For more, visit www.psaairlines.com.
Charlotte, N.C., AUG. 15, 2025 – PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group and leading regional airline, today announced it has hired four new directors and promoted another team member to director.
The newly hired directors are Pat Collins, Director of Planning and Heavy Maintenance; Ryker Chung-Thompson, Director of Manpower Planning; Matt Stewart, Director of Labor Relations; and Brian Rogers, Director of Contracts. Additionally, Christian Roper has been promoted from Assistant Director of Pilot Recruiting to Director of Crew Recruiting and Systems, which is an elevated role with expanded scope that now includes flight attendant recruiting (in addition to pilot recruiting) and management of the systems PSA uses to track and analyze workforce progress and needs.
Collins comes to PSA with extensive aviation maintenance leadership experience, including most recently as Senior Director of Maintenance Planning, Programs and Technical Operations Systems for Spirit Airlines, a role he held for over seven years. Prior to Spirit, Collins was Director of Technical Planning, Maintenance Programs, Maintenance Controls, and Records for AAR, a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company with operations in over 20 countries. Before AAR, Collins spent nearly 15 years between Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways, where he managed various aspects of maintenance planning, including long-range planning.
Chung-Thompson joins PSA from American Airlines, where he held various finance roles supporting Tech Ops, Inflight and Training and Development before moving to Charlotte to manage Continuous Improvement and Analytics initiatives for American in its Charlotte hub.
In his role as Director of Labor Relations, Stewart brings more than 12 years of experience in labor and employee relations across industries including aviation, retail, and hospitality. He began his labor relations career with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing United Airlines pilots, before moving into corporate roles where he supported unionized and non-union workforces across the United States. His experience includes supporting labor relations at United Airlines for their ground operations workgroups, as well as leading labor relations strategy within business divisions at Amazon and Compass Group, among others.
Like Collins, Rogers joins PSA from Spirit Airlines, where he most recently served as senior director of material management. However, this marks a return for Rogers to the American Airlines Group, as he started his career with American Airlines in Dallas-Fort Worth, where he served as commodity manager before being promoted to senior commodity manager.
“We are very excited to have these leaders join PSA Airlines as we prepare for our headquarters relocation to Charlotte, and we’re beyond thrilled to promote Christian Roper, who has done so much to help ensure adequate pilot staffing and an even more robust pilot pipeline,” said Dion Flannery, President and Chief Executive Officer at PSA Airlines. “We always talk about PSA being a place where team members can grow, and in terms of our headquarters relocation, we’ve noted how this is an opportunity to infuse new talent and thought processes into our business. These four key leadership hires and the promotion of a proven and promising leader are an encapsulation of everything we’ve envisioned in terms of the next iteration of PSA Airlines. We’re confident these leaders – along with the rest of PSA’s over 5,000 team members – will ensure PSA continues to provide safe, reliable and high-quality customer and team member experiences well into the future.”
Christine Hollanshead, Vice President of Talent and Human Resources at PSA, said she’s very pleased with how hiring is progressing in PSA’s new headquarters city.
“When we set out to make this move, we did so knowing that Charlotte and the surrounding region are brimming with talented people and many of whom have aviation experience and expertise,” said Hollanshead. “We’re finding that this market is even better than we thought, and not only does the Charlotte area have its own deep bench of talent, but it’s a highly desirable area to attract high-performing leaders and team members. It really has been win-win-win.”
About PSA Airlines
PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, operates an all-jet fleet of dual-class MHI regional jet aircraft. The company’s over 5,000 team members operate an average of over 750 daily flights to over 100 destinations. PSA has flight crew bases in Charlotte, N.C.; Dallas-Fort Worth; Dayton, Ohio; Philadelphia; and Washington, D.C. PSA has maintenance facilities in Dayton; Canton/Akron, Ohio; Cincinnati; Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth; Greenville, S.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Norfolk, Va.; Pensacola, Fla.; and Savannah, Ga. PSA has 60 MHI CRJ700 aircraft and 82 MHI CRJ900 aircraft, and recently announced the acquisition of additional CRJ900 aircraft (which will bring its fleet count to 154 once all aircraft have been inducted). For more, visit www.psaairlines.com.
For those drawn to travel, people, and fast-paced environments, being a flight attendant offers a unique blend of purpose and adventure. More than just a glamorous role, flight attendants are essential to airline operations – balancing safety, service, and adaptability at 30,000 feet.
No matter if you’re starting fresh, changing paths, or returning to work, understanding how to apply to be a flight attendant is your first step. This guide walks you through everything from flight attendant requirements and resume tips to flight attendant training and long-term growth at PSA Airlines.
Flight attendants are the face of the airline. They handle safety demonstrations, address inflight issues, respond to emergencies, and deliver exceptional customer service throughout the journey. The role combines hospitality with responsibility – and those who thrive in it often cite the PSA culture, flexible schedules, and travel opportunities as highlights of the job.
Before diving into the application, it’s important to review what’s expected to land the role. These qualifications help confirm that prospective flight attendants are physically and professionally prepared to meet the demands of the role.
Educational Background: At PSA, we require at least a high school diploma or GED although candidates with a college degree or coursework in communications, hospitality, or travel-related fields are preferred.
Physical and Health Standards: Since the job involves lifting luggage, moving through tight spaces, and assisting in emergency evacuations, applicants must meet certain height and reach requirements. Drug screening and background checks are standard as well.
Language and Communication: Fluency in English is required, and proficiency in additional languages is a plus for diverse customer bases.
Customer Service Experience: Previous experience in retail, hospitality, or food service can make a big difference. Candidates who have worked with the public and managed challenging interactions are often better prepared for inflight scenarios.
Meeting these requirements doesn’t just check boxes – it sets you up for long-term success in a role that demands both resilience and compassion.
Once you’re confident you meet the qualifications, the next step is understanding how to apply to be a flight attendant. Here’s a typical application timeline broken into stages:
By preparing for each step, you can improve your chances of securing a role and starting your aviation journey off strong.
When applying for a flight attendant job, your resume and cover letter should do more than list past roles – they should tell a compelling story about your readiness for a flight attendant career. PSA is looking for candidates who bring professionalism, are calm under pressure, and have genuine care for airline passengers.
Think of your application as your first introduction onboard: polished, welcoming, and clear.
Your resume should be brief but impactful. Stick to one page, using bullet points to highlight achievements with action-driven language. Focus on roles where you’ve built strong experience in customer service – such as hospitality, retail, or healthcare – and emphasize communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are all essential skills for a flight attendant.
Don’t forget to include relevant certifications like CPR or first aid, as well as any foreign languages. These additions strengthen your qualifications and demonstrate your readiness for service.
Your cover letter is your chance to express why you’re pursuing this as a career. Share what drew you to aviation and specifically to PSA. Tailor your message to show that you’ve done your homework and that you’re aligned with the company’s values.
Strong letters include short stories – moments when you went above and beyond, resolved a tough situation, or delivered exceptional customer service. Avoid generic phrases. Speak authentically, with confidence and warmth.
Together, your resume and cover letter should show you’re not just qualified – you’re a natural fit for the cabin crew.
Once hired, new team members begin an exciting journey through flight attendant training, where they transform from applicants into aviation professionals. This process is more than a formality – it’s the foundation of a safe, confident, and service-ready flight crew.
At PSA Airlines, training is comprehensive and hands-on. You’ll spend four weeks in Charlotte learning the procedures and policies that guide every flight. Here’s what the training covers:
You’ll be expected to pass both written exams and practical evaluations. Training is intensive, but it’s designed to build the confidence and skills you’ll need for every leg of your journey.
Upon completion of classroom training, you will go out on your Initial Operating Experience (IOE). This is where you take all of your classroom knowledge and apply it onboard the aircraft. You will be part of a real crew, on a real airplane with real passengers. Upon successful completion of IOE you will receive your Flight Attendant wings.
After you complete initial training, learning doesn’t stop. Flight attendants are required to participate in ongoing skill development, including:
This commitment to continuous learning means your skills evolve as your career does. Whether you’re flying your 10th or 1,000th flight, you’ll always be equipped to deliver the highest level of safety and service.
If you’re curious about expanding your professional horizons, we offer more than just cabin crew roles. Explore our other airline careers in operations, corporate management, or technical services.
Becoming a flight attendant is more than just starting a new job – it’s joining a profession built on safety, service, and connection. While the training is intense and the role demanding, the rewards of travel, teamwork, and personal growth are just as meaningful.
At PSA Airlines, we welcome individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments and care about delivering great service. If that sounds like you, take the next step. Learn more about becoming a flight attendant at PSA Airlines – and let your journey take flight.
Pursuing a career as a first officer pilot is more than a professional milestone – it’s a gateway to lifelong advancement, travel, and earning potential in the aviation industry. Whether you’re just entering the flight deck or looking to shift flight paths, understanding the full range of benefits tied to this role can help you chart a successful course.
First officer salaries have steadily risen in recent years, fueled by a national pilot shortage, growing travel demand, and competitive recruiting across regional airlines.
At PSA Airlines, we offer one of the most competitive starting compensation packages in the regional market. As of 2025, our first officers begin at $99/hr., with a guaranteed 75 flight hours per month – excluding per diem, bonuses, and overtime. Hourly rates increase with each year of service:
We also honor prior 121 or 135 PIC time through longevity credit, helping pilots reach higher pay tiers and enhanced vacation and retirement benefits faster. Our pilot wage calculator makes it easy to estimate your potential earnings based on your background.
This pay scale marks a clear shift from historical norms and reflects how valuable first officers have become in today’s aviation landscape. Looking ahead, industry trends remain strong. With air travel demand rising and retirements creating openings at major carriers, PSA is well-positioned to maintain competitive pay as they attract the next generation of professional pilots.
At PSA Airlines, compensation goes far beyond your base pay. Our first officers receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your personal and professional journey – on the ground and in the air.
PSA pilots have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with life insurance, a 401(k) with company match, and other financial planning tools.
For many, one of the most rewarding perks are travel privileges on the American Airlines global network. You, your family, and your friends can enjoy access to a world of destinations. It’s one of the many ways we make your career with PSA feel expansive and fulfilling.
We’re also proud to offer a competitive compensation structure that reflects your contributions and grows with your experience. At PSA, you’re not just joining an airline – you’re joining a pathway to opportunity.
Explore what it means to become a First Officer at PSA Airlines.
The aviation industry offers a clearly defined – and highly motivating – path of progression for pilots. After logging sufficient hours as a first officer, pilots upgrade to captain, unlocking higher salaries and increased command responsibility. From there, opportunities broaden to include line check airman positions, training roles, ambassador, and mentor roles.
PSA’s role as a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines makes our career progression model uniquely attractive. Through Direct Flow to American Airlines, qualified PSA captains can move into mainline roles without additional interviews or applications. This direct path allows you to transition confidently from flying the CRJ fleet at PSA to joining one of the most respected global carriers in the industry.
As your flight hours, certifications, and leadership experience grow, so does your value – and your compensation. At PSA, your career is on a trajectory backed by support, clarity, and opportunity at every stage.
Just beginning your aviation journey? Check out our Cadet Program, which provides structured pathways from flight school through to the right seat of a commercial aircraft.
Understanding salary dynamics isn’t just about the numbers – it’s about empowerment. When first officers have a clear grasp of industry compensation trends, they’re better positioned to plan their careers, negotiate offers, and seek out the right fit for their goals. This awareness helps pilots align professional growth with personal aspirations, knowing when to stay, when to move up, and how to prepare for future milestones.
Behind every successful flight is a team working around the clock to ensure everything runs smoothly, our Crew Scheduling team. They’re the behind-the-scenes problem solvers, making decisions and adjustments in real time to ensure every flight is crewed, compliant, and ready for takeoff. While their work may not be visible to passengers, it’s vital to our airline operation at PSA.
Crew Scheduling is the process of coordinating flight crews, both pilots and flight attendants to ensure every flight has the right crew, in the right place, at the right time. At PSA, our schedulers manage both day-to-day and long-term scheduling, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, union agreements, and company policies.
It requires a strong understanding of the rules, clear communication, and a thoughtful approach to problem-solving. Collaboration and communication are key. Schedulers work closely with other departments and flight crews to adapt to changing needs and keep airline operations running smoothly.
No two days look the same for a Crew Scheduler at PSA. Whether it is adjusting flight crew assignments, tracking check-ins, coordinating with hotels, or supporting both pilots and flight attendants when needs arise, our crew scheduling team works in 10-hour shifts to ensure they stay connected to every part of the airline operation.
The team is structured for efficiency and support. A group of schedulers handles the daily schedule, while lead schedulers keep a close eye on duty time limits and regulatory compliance. Coordinators step in to manage more complex changes like rerouting crews due to delays, and shift managers help oversee the airline operation.
Throughout each shift, crew schedulers are constantly communicating with one another, with crew members, and with departments across PSA. It’s a role where attention to detail, great teamwork, and problem-solving come together to keep our airline operation moving.
Without our Crew Scheduling team, flights wouldn’t take off. They are essential to our core mission: getting passengers to their destinations safely, reliably, and on time. Though passengers may never see them, their impact is felt on every flight. They’re the team behind the scenes, solving problems, providing support, and keeping the airline operation moving.
We’re moving our headquarters to Charlotte, NC, in January 2026. Check out our airline jobs in Charlotte, NC here.
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, a celebration that honors the arts, culture, contributions, and history of LGBTQ+ people in the United States. This month, we are proudly spotlighting team members who demonstrate how our different backgrounds contribute to an inclusive and successful company.
Today, we introduce Talent Data Analyst Luke Macnak, who shared his love for aviation and what Pride Month means to him.
What was your journey to aviation and PSA?
As a kid, I was captivated by all things aviation (planes, airports, the idea of flight), and I knew early on that this was the world I wanted to be part of. That passion never faded. Over time, it evolved into a deep appreciation for the people and coordination it takes to keep an airline moving. Eventually, that passion led me to PSA Airlines.
Today, I’m proud to be part of our Talent Management team, where I support key areas like recruiting, onboarding, and candidate experience. I may not be flying the plane, but I’m helping ensure our teams perform their best. Being in a role that supports the people side of aviation is incredibly fulfilling. It’s where my passion for people and my love for aviation intersect.
What do you love about the aviation industry?
There’s so much to love about aviation, but what excites me most is the constant evolution. The industry never stands still. There’s always something new on the horizon, whether it’s innovative technology, shifts in travel trends, or changes in aircraft. That pace keeps me inspired and challenged. I also love how aviation makes the world feel smaller. In a matter of hours, you can be across the country or across the world discovering new places, trying new foods, or building new connections. It’s powerful to work in an industry that brings people together, especially in a world where connection matters more than ever.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
For me, Pride Month is a celebration of identity, resilience, and the progress we have made as a community. It’s also deeply personal. It’s a time when I pause to acknowledge my own journey and how far I’ve come in feeling confident, visible, and supported. Pride reminds me that every time we show up as ourselves, we create space for others to do the same. It’s about more than just visibility; it’s about building a culture where everyone, regardless of who they love or how they identify, feels like they truly belong.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, how do you feel you positively impact PSA’s culture of diversity and inclusion?
Being part of the LGBTQ+ community allows me to show up at PSA with a unique perspective, one that values empathy, representation, and inclusive practices. I strive to lead by example, creating a safe and inclusive space where others can be their authentic selves at work. Whether that’s advocating for inclusive technology, encouraging open conversations, or simply being visible in my role, I want people to know that they are not only accepted here but valued.
At PSA, we talk a lot about our culture, and I truly believe culture is built in everyday moments. By being authentic, respectful, and intentional in how I show up, I hope I help build a workplace where diversity isn’t just a goal; it’s a reality that fuels our success.
At PSA, we believe in showing up and supporting our team members. That’s why our events and sponsorships are more than just appearances — they’re meaningful connections to the communities that make aviation stronger and more inclusive.
Conferences, Expos & Sponsorships
Each year, PSA proudly participates in and sponsors a range of key events and organizations that support a wide range of communities, including people from all walks of life. These partnerships are a vital part of how we connect with and uplift the aviation industry.
These events offer incredible opportunities for networking, learning, mentorship, and inspiration.
Supporting Communities Through Sponsorship
Beyond our presence at these events, our sponsorships reflect a deeper investment in the future of aviation. We are proud to partner with organizations that share our commitment to innovation in the industry.
Promo with Purpose: Sourcing from Within
When we show up, we make it count — and that includes how we select our promotional items. PSA intentionally sources promotional giveaway items from businesses that represent the communities we’re supporting. It’s one of the ways we ensure that we make a direct impact.
By aligning our sourcing practices, we turn swag into meaningful support.
Where to Find Us
Want to see where PSA will be next? Interested in connecting with us at an upcoming event or learning more about our partnerships? Visit our Events Page for all the details.
Life of a Commuter Crew Member
For many airline crew members, getting to work isn’t as simple as a short drive to the airport. Some pilots and flight attendants live in entirely different cities—or even states—from their assigned base, making them “commuters.” PSA Airlines offers a Commuter Program to help crew members navigate the commuter process while maintaining a safe and reliable operation.
What Is a Commuter Crew Member?
A commuter crew member is someone who lives outside their assigned base and must travel, usually by plane, to start their trips. Unlike traditional jobs where the workday begins when you leave home, aviation commuters often fly in a day early, secure a hotel, and carefully plan their schedules to avoid missing assignments.
Final Thoughts
Our commuter program allows crew members the flexibility to live where they choose while upholding their commitment to a safe and reliable operation. At PSA, we offer our registered commuting crew members a $250 monthly stipend for hotels to help cover commuting costs. While commuting offers the freedom to live in the city of your choice, it also comes with important considerations — balancing time away from home, family obligations, and additional travel logistics.
Interested in a career at PSA? Join our talent network today.
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