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Delta Air Lines vs FedEx Express
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at Delta Air Lines (DL) and FedEx Express (FX) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Delta Air Lines
FedEx Express
Country
United States
United States
Airline Type
Major Airline
Cargo Airline
IATA Code
DL
FX
Regulatory Authority
FAA
FAA
First Officer Salary
$95,000 - $210,000
$100,000 - $220,000
Captain Salary
$260,000 - $420,000+
$280,000 - $400,000+
Fleet
Boeing 737, 757, 767, 777, Airbus A220/320/321/330/350
Boeing 757, 767, 777, MD-11, Airbus A300
Requirements Comparison
Delta Air Lines
- ATP certificate
- 1,500+ hours total time
- FAA Class 1 medical
- 4-year degree preferred
- Strong leadership and CRM skills
FedEx Express
- ATP certificate
- 1,500+ hours total time
- 500+ hours turbine PIC
- FAA Class 1 medical
- Excellent safety record
Pros & Cons
Delta Air Lines
Pros
- +Industry-leading captain pay
- +Large domestic route network
FedEx Express
Pros
- +Industry-leading captain pay
- +Daytime flexibility with cargo schedule
- +Large domestic route network
Cons
- –Primarily night flying operations
About Each Airline
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is consistently ranked as a top employer among US airlines, known for its strong company culture and competitive compensation.
Full Delta Air Lines career guide →FedEx Express
FedEx Express is one of the highest-paying airlines in the world. Cargo operations mean primarily night flying but excellent compensation and schedules.
Full FedEx Express career guide →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at Delta Air Lines or FedEx Express based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
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