US Air Force announces retention bonuses of up to $600,000 in desperate bid to fix pilot shortage

• The US Air Force is offering up to $600,000 in retention bonuses.
• The money would be paid out over 12 years.
• The move aims to retain skilled airmen and address a decades-long pilot shortage.

The US Air Force (USAF) has announced a new round of retention bonuses, offering up to $600,000 over 12 years, the Air Force Times reported.

Announced on November 30, the bonuses are aimed at manned aircraft and drone pilots, combat systems operators, and air battle managers, with amounts ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on aircraft type and when they commit.