The standard in the US on this type of operation is probably about 150,000 for Captains and 100,000 for copilots. Then you have to add in the benefit package. If they pay much less then that the quality of what they hire would be very suspect. China is snapping up pilots at 200,000 to 350,000 a year with huge benefit packages. The small US feeder airlines that used to pay copilots 20,000 a year are now offering starting pay at 50 to 60K and they still can't fill their classes.
30 pilots is a high number for one airplane three days a week. It's my understanding they plan on adding another aircraft and additional flights. The normal staffing is about 13 pilots per aircraft and a few administrative and line check pilots. They will never survive if they utilize the aircraft only 3 days a week long term.

Last edited by GeorgeC1; 10/27/2016 08:26 AM.