Horizon Air
Alaska Air Group's regional airline, based in SeaTac, Washington, flying Embraer E175 jets across the West, with paid development programs for pilots and mechanics.
Overview
Horizon Air is the regional airline owned by Alaska Air Group, founded in 1981 and acquired by Alaska in 1986. It flies Embraer E175 jets to more than 45 cities in the western U.S. and Canada, with pilot bases in Seattle, Everett, Spokane, Portland, Boise, Medford, and Anchorage. For students in the Pacific Northwest it is the most direct first airline job on the way to Alaska Airlines. Horizon runs a Pilot Development Program with training stipends, takes graduates of Ascend Pilot Academy, and has a Maintenance Technician Development Program for people working toward an A&P license.
Student Insights
Three pilot programs and how they connect
Ascend Pilot Academy is the start-from-zero option: Alaska and Horizon's flight school program, flown at Hillsboro Aero Academy in Redmond, Oregon, taking 13 to 18 months to commercial pilot and flight instructor, with a stipend of up to $27,000 when you sign on with Horizon. The Pilot Development Program is for pilots already training anywhere: enroll with a private certificate, receive mentorship and up to $12,500 in stipends, and get hired as a Horizon first officer at ATP minimums (age 21 or older). Pilot Pathways is the last step: Horizon pilots with 1,000 hours as pilot in command move to Alaska Airlines in Horizon seniority order.
Pilot minimums
Horizon first officers need 1,500 hours total time or restricted ATP eligibility, a commercial certificate, and a first-class medical. Ascend applicants must be 18, authorized to work in the U.S., and already hold a first-class medical when they apply.
Mechanics and dispatchers
The one-year Maintenance Technician Development Program offers up to $12,300 in educational stipends and up to $1,800 in A&P test fee reimbursement, then a contingent job offer and a Horizon new-hire class date. Horizon's primary maintenance base is in Portland, Oregon. Airline dispatchers need an FAA aircraft dispatcher certificate: under 14 CFR 65.53 you can take the knowledge test at 21 but must be 23 to hold the certificate.
AI Outlook
Pilot, dispatcher, and A&P technician jobs are FAA-certificated roles. Data and AI tools support planning and maintenance analysis but do not change the certificate requirements for entry.
Student Hiring
Typical Roles
Notable Programs
- Pilot Development Program
- Ascend Pilot Academy (with Alaska Airlines and Hillsboro Aero Academy)
- Pilot Pathways: Horizon to Alaska
- Maintenance Technician Development Program
Career Connections
AeroEd career pathways relevant to Horizon Air.