Document:

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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.29

                        MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION AGREEMENT

                  (VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER)

                                     BETWEEN

                             PINNACLE AIRLINES, INC.

                                       AND

                                  PETER D. HUNT

                                   DATED AS OF

                                 AUGUST 11, 2005

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                        Management Compensation Agreement

               for the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

                                       of

                             Pinnacle Airlines, Inc.

      This Management Compensation Agreement (the "Agreement") is made, entered
into, and effective as of January 1, 2005, by and between Pinnacle Airlines,
Inc. a Delaware corporation ("Company") and Peter D. Hunt ("Executive").

                                    RECITALS

      Executive is currently employed by Company; and

      Company and Executive wish to continue that employment relationship and to
state the terms and conditions of such employment and compensation.

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements
contained herein, Company and Executive, intending to be legally bound, hereby
agree as follows.

1.    Terms of Employment.

      1.1 Employment. Company agrees to continue to employ Executive, and
Executive agrees to continue to serve Company, on the terms and conditions set
forth herein.

      1.2 Position and Duties. During the term of Executive's employment
hereunder, Executive shall continue to serve as Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of Company and shall have such powers and duties as on the
Effective Date or such other powers and duties as may from time to time be
prescribed by the Board of Directors. Executive shall devote substantially all
his working time and effort to the business and affairs of Company and its
affiliates.

2.    Compensation.

      2.1 Base Salary. Executive's Base Salary shall be his base salary in
effect on the Effective Date, as modified thereafter by the Board. Executive's
Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with Company's payroll policies.

      2.2. Incentive Compensation Programs. In addition to Base Salary,
Executive shall continue while employed hereunder to participate in Company's
incentive compensation programs (including any Bonus Plan and any successor
programs) at levels

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in effect on the Effective Date or such other levels established from time to
time by the Board (the "Incentive Compensation Programs"), whether such
Incentive Compensation is (i) made available in cash, securities, other property
or rights (ii) annual or long term, or (iii) generally available to employees or
executive employees of Company, or specifically available to Executive, except
that Executive shall participate only to the extent such Incentive Compensation
Program is specifically provided for in this Agreement or Attachment "A" hereto
(including any future amendments).

      2.3 Expenses. During the term of Executive's employment hereunder,
Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursements for all reasonable
expenses incurred in performing services hereunder, provided that Executive
properly accounts therefor in accordance with Company policy.

      2.4 Benefit Programs. During the term of his employment, Company shall
provide Executive with the same benefits that it provides generally to its other
employees or specifically to its executive employees, including but not limited
to life, medical, and dental insurance, pension, vacation, bonus, profit-sharing
and savings plans and similar benefits, as such plans and benefits may be
adopted, modified or eliminated by Company from time to time.

      2.5 Indemnification and Insurance. Company shall indemnify Executive with
respect to matters relating to Executive's services as an officer and/or
director of Company or any of its Affiliates to the extent set forth in
Company's Bylaws as amended from time to time and in accordance with the terms
of any other indemnification which is generally applicable to executive officers
of Company or of its Affiliates that may be provided by Company or any such
Affiliate from time to time. The foregoing indemnity is contractual and will
survive any adverse amendment to or repeal of the Bylaws. Company shall also
cover Executive under any policy of officers' and (if Executive is a director at
the relevant time) directors' liability insurance provided that such coverage is
comparable to that provided currently or hereafter to any other executive
officer or (if Executive is a director at the relevant time) director of
Company. The provisions of this Paragraph 2.5 shall survive termination of
Executive's employment, unless the termination is by Company for Cause.

3.    Termination of Employment.

      3.1 Upon Death. Executive's employment hereunder shall terminate upon his
death.

      3.2 By Company. Company may terminate Executive's employment hereunder at
any time with or without Cause.

      3.3 By Executive. Executive may terminate his employment hereunder at any
time for any reason.

      3.4 Notice of Termination, Payments. Any termination of Executive's
employment hereunder (other than by death) shall be communicated by thirty (30)
days'

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advance written Notice of Termination by the terminating party to the other
party to this Agreement; provided that no Notice of Termination is required in
advance if the Executive is terminated by Company for Cause.

4.    Payments in the Event of Termination of Employment.

      4.1 Payments in the Event of Termination by Company for Cause or Voluntary
Termination by Executive. If Executive's employment hereunder is terminated by
Company for Cause, as a result of death or Disability, or by Executive other
than for Good Reason, Company shall pay Executive (a) his accrued and unpaid
Base Salary through the Date of Termination and (b) any vested or accrued and
unpaid payments, rights or benefits Executive may be otherwise entitled to
receive pursuant to the terms of any retirement, pension or other employee
benefit or compensation plan (but not any Incentive Compensation Program)
maintained by Company at the time or times provided therein.

      4.2 Payments in the Event of Termination by Company other than for Cause
or by Executive for Good Reason. If Executive's employment hereunder is
terminated by Company other than for Cause, or by Executive for Good Reason:

      (a) Company shall pay Executive (i) his accrued and unpaid Base Salary
through the Date of Termination, (ii) any accrued and unpaid bonus or additional
compensation under any annual bonus plan (the "Incentive Bonus") for any
calendar year ended before the Date of Termination, (iii) a pro rata share
(based on days employed during the applicable year) of any unpaid Incentive
Bonus Executive would otherwise have received with respect to the year in which
the Date of Termination occurs, payable at the time the Incentive Bonus would
otherwise be payable to Executive; provided, however, that 100% of the Incentive
Bonus shall be determined solely with reference to the actual financial
performance of Company for the full year (based on the goals previously
established with respect thereto) (rather than a portion of the Incentive Bonus
determined on the basis of individual performance), if there are such financial
goals previously established; provided, further, in the event that no Company
financial performance goals have been established for such year, then that
portion of the Incentive Bonus that would have (but for this Section 4.2(a))
related to the achievement of the individual performance target shall be deemed
to have been fully achieved and shall determine 100% of the Incentive Bonus
potential, and (iv) any vested or accrued and unpaid payments, rights or
benefits Executive may be otherwise entitled to receive pursuant to the terms of
any written retirement, pension or other employee benefit or compensation plan
maintained by Company at the time or times provided therein.

      (b) In addition to the compensation and benefits described in Section
4.2(a):

            (i)   Company shall pay Executive, in substantially equal
                  installments at Executive's regular pay intervals in effect
                  prior to such termination, over a period of eighteen (18)
                  months beginning no later than the first regular Company
                  payroll payment date (the "First Severance Payment Date") on
                  or following the later of (x) thirty (30) days following
                  Executive's termination of employment

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                  and (y) the lapse of any right of Executive to revoke the
                  general release he will have signed substantially (as
                  determined by counsel to Company) in the form attached hereto
                  as Attachment "B" (the "General Release"), an aggregate amount
                  equal to one-and-one-half (1.5) (the "Multiple") times the sum
                  of (i) Executive's annual Base Salary and (ii) the target
                  Incentive Bonus for Executive with respect to the year in
                  which the Date of Termination occurs (or if no target has been
                  set for that year, the target Incentive Bonus for the most
                  recent year in which a target Incentive Bonus was in effect).

            (ii)  Until the earlier of twenty-four (24) months after Executive's
                  Date of Termination (or eighteen (18) months if payment is
                  made pursuant to Section 4.3(a)) or the date Executive is
                  employed by a new employer, the Executive, his dependents,
                  beneficiaries and estate shall be entitled to all benefits
                  under Company's group medical and dental insurance plans as if
                  the Executive were still employed by Company hereunder during
                  such period.

            (iii) On the Date of Termination Executive's rights under any
                  compensation or benefits programs shall become vested and any
                  restrictions on stock options or contractual rights granted to
                  Executive shall be removed.

      (c) Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment
provided for in this Section 4.2 by seeking other employment or otherwise, and
no such payment shall be offset or reduced as a result of Executive obtaining
new employment.

      (d) Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in this Agreement,
Company's obligation regarding the payments, benefit continuation and
acceleration provided for in Section 4.2(b)(i), (ii) and (iii) is expressly
conditioned upon the execution, delivery and non-revocation of the General
Release.

4.3   Payment in the Event of Termination Upon Change in Control of Company.

      (a) In the event a Change in Control occurs after the date of this
Agreement, the Multiple shall be two (2.0) instead of one-and-one-half (1.5). In
addition to Company's payment and benefits obligations to Executive upon events
described in Section 4.2, if Executive remains employed by Company for the
six-month period following the Change in Control, then, during the thirty (30)
days following that six-month period, Executive shall be entitled to terminate
his employment without Good Reason, and upon any such termination Company shall
be obligated to make the payments and provide the benefits to Executive as set
forth in Section 4.2, except that the aggregate amount payable pursuant to the
Multiple (as set forth in this Section 4.3(a)) shall be paid in a lump sum on
the First Severance Payment Date.

      (b) Nothing set forth in Section 4.3(a) is intended or shall be construed
to limit Executive's right to terminate his employment for Good Reason during
the

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      aforementioned six month period or to limit Company's obligation to make
      the payments or provide the benefits set forth in Section 4.2 upon events
      described in Section 4.2.

            (c) Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any
      payment provided for in this Section 4.3 by seeking other employment or
      otherwise, and no such payment shall be offset or reduced as a result of
      Executive obtaining new employment.

      4.4.  Transfer of Insurance Policies Upon Termination.

      Upon termination of Executive's employment by Company or by Executive,
Company shall transfer to Executive the transferable ownership of any Company
owned insurance policy or policies on the life of Executive. Executive shall be
solely responsible for the payment of any premiums due after the Date of
Termination.

      5.    Board/Committee Resignation.

      Executive's termination of employment for any reason, shall constitute, as
of the date of such termination and to the extent applicable, a resignation as
an officer of Company and a resignation from the Board (and any committees
thereof) and the Board of Directors (and any committees thereof) of any of
Company's affiliates and from the board of directors or similar governing body
of any corporation, limited liability company or other entity in which Company
or any affiliate holds an equity interest and with respect to which board or
similar governing body Executive serves as Company's or such affiliate's
designee or other representative.

      6.    Confidentiality, Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation,
            Non-disparagement.

            (a) Confidentiality. While employed by Company and thereafter,
      Executive shall not disclose any Confidential Information either directly
      or indirectly, to anyone (other than appropriate Company employees and
      advisors), or use such information for his own account, or for the account
      of any other person or entity, without the prior written consent of
      Company or except as required by law. This confidentiality covenant has no
      temporal or geographical restriction. For purposes of this Agreement,
      "Confidential Information" shall mean all non-public information
      respecting Company's business, including, but not limited to, its
      services, pricing, scheduling, products, research and development,
      processes, customer lists, marketing plans and strategies, and financing
      plans, but excluding information that is, or becomes, available to the
      public (unless such availability occurs through an unauthorized act on the
      part of Executive). Upon termination of this Agreement, Executive shall
      promptly supply to Company all property and any other tangible product or
      document that has been produced by, received by or otherwise submitted to
      Executive during or prior to his term of employment, and shall not retain
      any copies thereof.

            (b) Non-Competition. Executive acknowledges that his services are of
      special, unique and extraordinary value to Company. Accordingly, if
      Company is paying or has paid the Executive an amount determined by the
      Multiple in Section 4.2(b)(i) or 4.3(a), then the Executive shall not at
      any time prior to the first anniversary of the Date of Termination become
      an employee, consultant, officer, partner or director of any air carrier
      which competes with Company (or any of its affiliates).

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      (c) Non-solicitation. Executive shall not, at any time prior to the first
anniversary of the date of termination, whether on Executive's own behalf or on
behalf of or in conjunction with any person, company, business entity or other
organization whatsoever, directly or indirectly, (x) solicit or encourage any
employee of Company or its affiliates to leave the employment of Company or its
affiliates or (y), without permission of Company, knowingly hire a former
employee of Company or its affiliates.

      (d) Non-disparagement. While employed by Company and at any time prior to
the later of the first anniversary of the Date of Termination or the cessation
of any payments due Executive under Section 4.2 or 4.3, Executive agrees not to
make any untruthful or disparaging statements, written or oral, about Company,
its affiliates, their predecessors or successors or any of their past and
present officers, directors, stockholders, partners, members, agents and
employees or Company's business practices, operations or personnel policies and
practices to any of Company's customers, clients, competitors, suppliers,
investors, directors, consultants, employees, former employees, or the press or
other media in any country.

      (e) Condition and Remedies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive is
entitled to any payments under Sections 4(2) and (3) hereof, then Executive's
obligations pursuant to this Section 6 are specifically conditioned on Company
paying (whether in installments or as a lump sum, as required herein) any
amounts to which Executive may be entitled thereunder in the manner required.
Executive agrees that any breach of the terms of this Section 6 would result in
irreparable injury and damage for which there would be no adequate remedy at
law, and that, in the event of said breach or any threat of breach, Company
shall be entitled to (i) an immediate injunction and restraining order to
prevent such breach or threatened breach, without having to prove damages and
(ii) any other remedies to which Company may be entitled at law or in equity.
Executive further agrees that the provisions of the covenant not to compete are
reasonable. Should a court determine, however, that any provision of the
covenant not to compete is unreasonable, either in period of time, geographical
area, or otherwise, the parties hereto agree that the covenant should be
interpreted and enforced to the maximum extent which such court deems
reasonable. The provisions of this Section 6 shall survive any termination of
this Agreement and Executive's term of employment. The existence of any claim or
cause of action or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement
of the covenants and agreements of this Section 6.

7.    Successors and Assigns.

      (a) This Agreement shall bind any successor to Company, whether by
purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, in the same manner and to the same
extent that Company would be obligated under this Agreement if no such
succession had taken place.

      (b) This Agreement shall not be assignable by Executive. This Agreement
and all rights of Executive hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be
enforceable by, Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors,
administrators, successors, heirs, distributes, devises and legatees.

<PAGE>

8.    Term.

      The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and end
upon Executive's termination of employment. The rights and obligations of
Company and Executive shall survive the termination of this Agreement to the
fullest extent necessary to give effect to the terms hereof.

9.    Notices.

      Notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall
be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand
or e-mail, the day after delivery to Federal Express for overnight delivery, two
days after delivery to the United States Postal Service for mailing, addressed:

      (a) if to Executive, to the address set forth on the signature page
   hereto, and

      (b) if to Company, c/o Pinnacle Airlines, Inc., 1689 Nonconnah Blvd.,
   Suite 111, Memphis, TN 38132 Attention: Chairman of the Board of Directors,
   or, in each case, to such other address as may have been furnished in
   writing.

10.   Withholding.

      All payments required to be made by Company hereunder shall be subject to
the withholding and/or deduction of such amounts as are required to be withheld
or deducted pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. Company shall have the
right and is hereby authorized to withhold or deduct from any compensation or
other amount owing to Executive, applicable withholding taxes and deductions and
to take such action as may be necessary in the opinion of Company to satisfy all
obligations for the payment of such taxes or deductions.

11.   Certain Defined Terms.

      As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

      "Agreement" shall mean this Management Compensation Agreement, as the same
may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in
accordance herewith.

      "Affiliate" shall mean any corporation, trust, partnership, limited
liability company or other organization which controls, is controlled by, or is
under common control with Company.

      "Base Salary" shall mean the salary of Executive in effect from time to
time under Section 2.1.

      "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of Company.

      "Bonus Plan" See Attachment "A".

<PAGE>

      "Cause" shall mean with respect to termination by Company of Executive's
employment hereunder (i) an act or acts of dishonesty by Executive resulting in,
or intended to result in, directly or indirectly, any personal enrichment of
Executive, (ii) an act or acts of dishonesty by Executive intended to cause
substantial injury to Company, (iii) material breach (other than as a result of
a Disability) by Executive of Executive's obligations under this Agreement which
action was (a) undertaken without a reasonable belief that the action was in the
best interests of Company and (b) not remedied within a reasonable period of
time after receipt of written notice from Company specifying the alleged breach,
(iv) Executive's conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, (a) a crime
constituting a felony under the laws of any country, the United States or any
state thereof or (b) a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, (v) a material
breach of (a) Company's policies and procedures in effect from time to time or
(b) the provisions of this Agreement; provided, however, that such breach shall
constitute "Cause" only if Company gives Executive notice pursuant to Section 9
hereof, which shall include a detailed and specific description of the alleged
material breach or breaches.

      "Change in Control" shall have the meaning given such term in the Stock
Incentive Plan in effect on the effective date of this Agreement, provided that,
for purposes of this definition, the term "Permitted Holders" shall include
Northwest Airlines Corporation or any affiliate of Northwest Airlines
Corporation.

      "Date of Termination" shall mean, with respect to Executive, the date of
termination of Executive's employment hereunder after the notice period provided
by Section 3.4.

      "Disability" shall mean Executive's physical or mental condition which
prevents continued performance of his duties hereunder, if Executive establishes
by medical evidence that such condition will be permanent and continuous during
the remainder of Executive's life or is likely to be of at least three (3) years
duration.

      "Effective Date" shall mean January 1, 2005.

      "Good Reason" shall mean with respect to an Executive, any one or more of
the following:

      (a) a material reduction in Executive's Base Salary or level of target
bonus under the Bonus Plan or any successor bonus plan without Executive's
consent;

      (b) any substantial and sustained diminution in Executive's title,
position, authority, or responsibilities hereunder (unless due to Executive's
disability); or

      (c) a failure by Company to comply with any provision of this Agreement;
provided, however, that the foregoing events shall constitute Good Reason only
if Company fails to cure such event within thirty (30) days after receipt from
Executive of written notice of the event which constitutes Good Reason;
provided, further, that "Good Reason" shall cease to exist for an event on the
90th day following the later of its occurrence or Executive's knowledge thereof,
unless Executive has given Company written notice thereof prior to such date.

<PAGE>

      In order for Executive's termination of his employment to be considered
for Good Reason, such termination must occur within one (1) year after the event
giving rise to such Good Reason. Executive's continued employment shall not
constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance
constituting Good Reason hereunder.

      "Incentive Bonus" See Attachment "A".

      "Notice of Termination" shall mean a notice specifying the Date of
Termination.

12.   Executive Representation.

      Executive hereby represents to Company that the execution and delivery of
this Agreement by Executive and Company and the performance by Executive of
Executive's duties hereunder shall not constitute a breach of, or otherwise
contravene, the terms of any employment agreement or other agreement or policy
to which Executive is a party or otherwise bound.

13.   Amendment.

      No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged
unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by
Executive and an officer of Company authorized by the Board to do so. No waiver
of any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a continuing waiver or a
waiver of any other provision, whether or not similar.

14.   Governing Law.

      The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this
Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee, without
regard to principles of conflicts of laws.

15.   Validity.

      The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this
Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision
of this Agreement which shall remain in full force and effect.

16.   Arbitration.

      Except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 17 of this Agreement, all
disputes and controversies arising from or in conjunction with Executive's
employment with, or any termination from, Company and all disputes and
controversies arising under or in connection with this Agreement (except claims
for vested benefits brought under ERISA) shall be settled by mandatory
arbitration conducted before one arbitrator having knowledge of employment law
in accordance with the rules for expedited resolution of employment disputes of
the American Arbitration Association then in effect. The arbitration shall be
held in the Memphis, Tennessee metropolitan area at a location selected by
Company. The determination of the arbitrator shall be made within thirty (30)
days following the close of the hearing on any dispute or controversy and shall
be final

<PAGE>

and binding on the parties. The parties hereby waive their right to a trial of
any and all claims arising out of this Agreement or breach of this Agreement.
Each party agrees to pay his or its own costs and expenses incurred in
connection with any arbitration including, without limitation, attorney's fees
and one-half of the arbitrator's fees, unless the arbitrator determines that
such expenses must be otherwise allocated under applicable law to maintain the
validity of this Section 16.

17.   Specific Performance.

      Notwithstanding Section 16 of this Agreement, if Executive breaches or
threatens to commit a breach of Section 6 of this Agreement, Company shall have
the right to specific performance (i.e., the right and remedy to have the terms
and conditions of Section 6 specifically enforced by a court of competent
jurisdiction), it being agreed that any breach or threatened breach of Section 6
would cause irreparable injury and that money damages may not provide an
adequate remedy. If Company exercises its right to seek specific performance in
a court of competent jurisdiction, Executive may assert any claims he may have
against Company or its affiliates in such action, and nothing set forth in
Paragraph 16 of this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to limit
Executive's right to assert such claims.

18.   Cooperation.

      Executive shall provide his reasonable cooperation in connection with any
investigation, action or proceeding (or any appeal from any action or
proceeding) which relates to events occurring during Executive's employment
hereunder. This provision shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

19.   Compensation Limitation

      Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive and Company agree that (i) to the
extent permitted by any Federal statute (the "Act") that limits compensation of
Executive hereunder, any payments or benefits payable to Executive under this
Agreement (including, without limitation, payments under Sections 2 and 4
hereof) or pursuant to any other compensation or benefit plan of Company or
other arrangement between Company and Executive that do not comply with the Act
shall be deferred until such payments or benefits may be paid under the Act, and
(ii) to the extent the Act does not permit the deferral of any such payments or
benefits, the maximum compensation and/or severance Executive may receive from
Company under this Agreement or any other compensation or benefit plan of
Company or other arrangement between Company and Executive will not exceed the
amount allowed under the Act.

20.   Entire Agreement.

      This Agreement, any award agreement between Company and Executive entered
into pursuant to Company's stock Incentive Compensation Programs, and Company's
employee benefit plans in which Executive will continue to participate as
provided in this Agreement, contain the entire understanding between Company and
Executive with respect to Executive's employment with Company and supersede in
all respects any prior

<PAGE>

or other agreement or understanding between Company or any affiliate of Company
and Executive with respect to Executive's employment.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Company and Executive have executed this Agreement as
of the day and year first above written.

                                   PINNACLE AIRLINES, INC.

                                   By: /s/ Stephen Gorman
                                       --------------------------------------
                                       Stephen Gorman
                                       Chairman

                                   EXECUTIVE:

                                   /s/ Peter D. Hunt
                                   ------------------------------------------
                                   Peter D. Hunt

                                   Address:
                                            ---------------------------------

                                   ------------------------------------------
                                   E-mail address:
                                                   --------------------------
<PAGE>

                                                                  ATTACHMENT "A"

                         INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAMS

1.    Cash Incentives: Annual Management Bonus Plan

2.    Stock Incentives: 2003 Stock Incentive Plan

<PAGE>

                                                                  ATTACHMENT "B"

                                 GENERAL RELEASE

This Release is made and entered into by Peter D. Hunt (the "Executive") and
Pinnacle Airlines, Inc. (the "Company").

In consideration of the payments, benefit continuation and acceleration provided
for in Section 4.2(b)(i), (ii) and (iii) of this Management Compensation
Agreement, Executive, on behalf of himself and for any person or entity who may
claim by or through him, irrevocably and unconditionally releases, waives, and
forever discharges Company, its past, present, and future subsidiaries,
divisions, affiliates, successors, and their respective officers, directors,
attorneys, agents, and present and past employees from any and all claims or
causes of action that Executive had, has, or may have relating to Executive's
employment with Company and/or termination therefrom up to and including the
date of this Agreement, including but not limited to any claims under Title VII
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Tennessee Human Rights Act, the
Age Discrimination in Employment Act ("ADEA"), and claims under any other
federal, state, or local statute, regulation, or ordinance, including wrongful
or retaliatory discharge.

This Release shall not be construed as an admission by Company of any liability,
wrongdoing, or violation of any law, statute, regulation, agreement or policy,
and Company denies any such liability or wrongdoing.

Executive acknowledges and agrees that this Release includes a release and
waiver as to claims under the ADEA. Executive acknowledges and confirms that he
understands and agrees to the terms and conditions of this Release; that these
terms are written in layperson terms, and that he has been fully advised of his
rights to seek the advice and assistance of consultants, including an attorney,
to review this Release. Executive further acknowledges that he does not waive
any rights or claims under the ADEA that arise after the date this Release is
signed by him, and specifically, Executive understands that he is receiving
money and benefits beyond anything of value to which he is already entitled from
Company. Executive acknowledges that he has had up to 21 days to consider
whether to accept and sign this Release, and has had adequate time and
opportunity to review the Release and consult with any legal counsel or other
advisors of his choosing. Executive understands that if he signs this Release
before the expiration of the 21-day period, his signature will evidence his
voluntary election to forego waiting the full 21 days to sign this Release. If
Executive chooses not to accept, or the 21-day period expires without his
acceptance, then the offer in this Release is null and void. Executive further
acknowledges that in compliance with the Older Workers' Benefit Protection Act
of 1990, he has been fully advised by Company of his right to revoke and nullify
this Release, and that this revocation must be exercised, if at all, within
seven days of the date he signs this Release. Executive may revoke his
acceptance at any time within the seven days following his signing of this
Release by notifying Company of his decision to revoke the acceptance by writing
directed and delivered to Pinnacle

<PAGE>

Airlines, Inc., 1689 Nonconnah Boulevard, Suite 111, Memphis, TN 38132,
Attention: Chairman of the Board.

Acceptance of this offer is strictly voluntary. This Release shall become
effective and enforceable only after the seven-day revocation period has
expired. Should Executive decline to accept the benefits of this Release, or if
is revoked by him, Executive will not receive the proposed additional
compensation and benefits.

         By his signature below, Executive accepts the terms of this Release.

PINNACLE AIRLINES, INC.                 EXECUTIVE

By:_______________________________      ________________________________

Name:_____________________________      Name:___________________________

Title:____________________________      Address:________________________

                                        ________________________________

                                        ________________________________

Date:_____________________________      Date:___________________________<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.30

                        MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION AGREEMENT

                  (VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER)

                                     BETWEEN

                             PINNACLE AIRLINES, INC.

                                       AND

                               DOUGLAS W. SHOCKEY

                                   DATED AS OF

                                 AUGUST 11, 2005

<PAGE>

                        Management Compensation Agreement

               for the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

                                       of

                             Pinnacle Airlines, Inc.

      This Management Compensation Agreement (the "Agreement") is made, entered
into, and effective as of January 1, 2005, by and between Pinnacle Airlines,
Inc. a Delaware corporation ("Company") and Douglas W. Shockey ("Executive").

                                    RECITALS

      Executive is currently employed by Company; and

      Company and Executive wish to continue that employment relationship and to
state the terms and conditions of such employment and compensation.

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements
contained herein, Company and Executive, intending to be legally bound, hereby
agree as follows.

1.    Terms of Employment.

      1.1 Employment. Company agrees to continue to employ Executive, and
Executive agrees to continue to serve Company, on the terms and conditions set
forth herein.

      1.2 Position and Duties. During the term of Executive's employment
hereunder, Executive shall continue to serve as Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer of Company and shall have such powers and duties as on the
Effective Date or such other powers and duties as may from time to time be
prescribed by the Board of Directors. Executive shall devote substantially all
his working time and effort to the business and affairs of Company and its
affiliates.

2.    Compensation.

      2.1 Base Salary. Executive's Base Salary shall be his base salary in
effect on the Effective Date, as modified thereafter by the Board. Executive's
Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with Company's payroll policies.

      2.2. Incentive Compensation Programs. In addition to Base Salary,
Executive shall continue while employed hereunder to participate in Company's
incentive compensation programs (including any Bonus Plan and any successor
programs) at levels

<PAGE>

in effect on the Effective Date or such other levels established from time to
time by the Board (the "Incentive Compensation Programs"), whether such
Incentive Compensation is (i) made available in cash, securities, other property
or rights (ii) annual or long term, or (iii) generally available to employees or
executive employees of Company, or specifically available to Executive, except
that Executive shall participate only to the extent such Incentive Compensation
Program is specifically provided for in this Agreement or Attachment "A" hereto
(including any future amendments).

      2.3 Expenses. During the term of Executive's employment hereunder,
Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursements for all reasonable
expenses incurred in performing services hereunder, provided that Executive
properly accounts therefor in accordance with Company policy.

      2.4 Benefit Programs. During the term of his employment, Company shall
provide Executive with the same benefits that it provides generally to its other
employees or specifically to its executive employees, including but not limited
to life, medical, and dental insurance, pension, vacation, bonus, profit-sharing
and savings plans and similar benefits, as such plans and benefits may be
adopted, modified or eliminated by Company from time to time.

      2.5 Indemnification and Insurance. Company shall indemnify Executive with
respect to matters relating to Executive's services as an officer and/or
director of Company or any of its Affiliates to the extent set forth in
Company's Bylaws as amended from time to time and in accordance with the terms
of any other indemnification which is generally applicable to executive officers
of Company or of its Affiliates that may be provided by Company or any such
Affiliate from time to time. The foregoing indemnity is contractual and will
survive any adverse amendment to or repeal of the Bylaws. Company shall also
cover Executive under any policy of officers' and (if Executive is a director at
the relevant time) directors' liability insurance provided that such coverage is
comparable to that provided currently or hereafter to any other executive
officer or (if Executive is a director at the relevant time) director of
Company. The provisions of this Paragraph 2.5 shall survive termination of
Executive's employment, unless the termination is by Company for Cause.

3.    Termination of Employment.

      3.1 Upon Death. Executive's employment hereunder shall terminate upon his
death.

      3.2 By Company. Company may terminate Executive's employment hereunder at
any time with or without Cause.

      3.3 By Executive. Executive may terminate his employment hereunder at any
time for any reason.

      3.4 Notice of Termination, Payments. Any termination of Executive's
employment hereunder (other than by death) shall be communicated by thirty (30)
days'

<PAGE>

advance written Notice of Termination by the terminating party to the other
party to this Agreement; provided that no Notice of Termination is required in
advance if the Executive is terminated by Company for Cause.

4.    Payments in the Event of Termination of Employment.

      4.1 Payments in the Event of Termination by Company for Cause or Voluntary
Termination by Executive. If Executive's employment hereunder is terminated by
Company for Cause, as a result of death or Disability, or by Executive other
than for Good Reason, Company shall pay Executive (a) his accrued and unpaid
Base Salary through the Date of Termination and (b) any vested or accrued and
unpaid payments, rights or benefits Executive may be otherwise entitled to
receive pursuant to the terms of any retirement, pension or other employee
benefit or compensation plan (but not any Incentive Compensation Program)
maintained by Company at the time or times provided therein.

      4.2 Payments in the Event of Termination by Company other than for Cause
or by Executive for Good Reason. If Executive's employment hereunder is
terminated by Company other than for Cause, or by Executive for Good Reason:

      (a) Company shall pay Executive (i) his accrued and unpaid Base Salary
through the Date of Termination, (ii) any accrued and unpaid bonus or additional
compensation under any annual bonus plan (the "Incentive Bonus") for any
calendar year ended before the Date of Termination, (iii) a pro rata share
(based on days employed during the applicable year) of any unpaid Incentive
Bonus Executive would otherwise have received with respect to the year in which
the Date of Termination occurs, payable at the time the Incentive Bonus would
otherwise be payable to Executive; provided, however, that 100% of the Incentive
Bonus shall be determined solely with reference to the actual financial
performance of Company for the full year (based on the goals previously
established with respect thereto) (rather than a portion of the Incentive Bonus
determined on the basis of individual performance), if there are such financial
goals previously established; provided, further, in the event that no Company
financial performance goals have been established for such year, then that
portion of the Incentive Bonus that would have (but for this Section 4.2(a))
related to the achievement of the individual performance target shall be deemed
to have been fully achieved and shall determine 100% of the Incentive Bonus
potential, and (iv) any vested or accrued and unpaid payments, rights or
benefits Executive may be otherwise entitled to receive pursuant to the terms of
any written retirement, pension or other employee benefit or compensation plan
maintained by Company at the time or times provided therein.

      (b) In addition to the compensation and benefits described in Section
4.2(a):

            (i)   Company shall pay Executive, in substantially equal
                  installments at Executive's regular pay intervals in effect
                  prior to such termination, over a period of eighteen (18)
                  months beginning no later than the first regular Company
                  payroll payment date (the "First Severance Payment Date") on
                  or following the later of (x) thirty (30) days following
                  Executive's termination of employment

<PAGE>

                  and (y) the lapse of any right of Executive to revoke the
                  general release he will have signed substantially (as
                  determined by counsel to Company) in the form attached hereto
                  as Attachment "B" (the "General Release"), an aggregate amount
                  equal to one-and-one-half (1.5) (the "Multiple") times the sum
                  of (i) Executive's annual Base Salary and (ii) the target
                  Incentive Bonus for Executive with respect to the year in
                  which the Date of Termination occurs (or if no target has been
                  set for that year, the target Incentive Bonus for the most
                  recent year in which a target Incentive Bonus was in effect).

            (ii)  Until the earlier of twenty-four (24) months after Executive's
                  Date of Termination (or eighteen (18) months if payment is
                  made pursuant to Section 4.3(a)) or the date Executive is
                  employed by a new employer, the Executive, his dependents,
                  beneficiaries and estate shall be entitled to all benefits
                  under Company's group medical and dental insurance plans as if
                  the Executive were still employed by Company hereunder during
                  such period.

            (iii) On the Date of Termination Executive's rights under any
                  compensation or benefits programs shall become vested and any
                  restrictions on stock options or contractual rights granted to
                  Executive shall be removed.

      (c) Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment
provided for in this Section 4.2 by seeking other employment or otherwise, and
no such payment shall be offset or reduced as a result of Executive obtaining
new employment.

      (d) Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in this Agreement,
Company's obligation regarding the payments, benefit continuation and
acceleration provided for in Section 4.2(b)(i), (ii) and (iii) is expressly
conditioned upon the execution, delivery and non-revocation of the General
Release.

4.3   Payment in the Event of Termination Upon Change in Control of Company.

      (a) In the event a Change in Control occurs after the date of this
Agreement, the Multiple shall be two (2.0) instead of one-and-one-half (1.5). In
addition to Company's payment and benefits obligations to Executive upon events
described in Section 4.2, if Executive remains employed by Company for the
six-month period following the Change in Control, then, during the thirty (30)
days following that six-month period, Executive shall be entitled to terminate
his employment without Good Reason, and upon any such termination Company shall
be obligated to make the payments and provide the benefits to Executive as set
forth in Section 4.2, except that the aggregate amount payable pursuant to the
Multiple (as set forth in this Section 4.3(a)) shall be paid in a lump sum on
the First Severance Payment Date.

      (b) Nothing set forth in Section 4.3(a) is intended or shall be construed
to limit Executive's right to terminate his employment for Good Reason during
the

<PAGE>

      aforementioned six month period or to limit Company's obligation to make
      the payments or provide the benefits set forth in Section 4.2 upon events
      described in Section 4.2.

            (c) Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any
      payment provided for in this Section 4.3 by seeking other employment or
      otherwise, and no such payment shall be offset or reduced as a result of
      Executive obtaining new employment.

      4.4.  Transfer of Insurance Policies Upon Termination.

            Upon termination of Executive's employment by Company or by
Executive, Company shall transfer to Executive the transferable ownership of any
Company owned insurance policy or policies on the life of Executive. Executive
shall be solely responsible for the payment of any premiums due after the Date
of Termination.

      5.    Board/Committee Resignation.

      Executive's termination of employment for any reason, shall constitute, as
of the date of such termination and to the extent applicable, a resignation as
an officer of Company and a resignation from the Board (and any committees
thereof) and the Board of Directors (and any committees thereof) of any of
Company's affiliates and from the board of directors or similar governing body
of any corporation, limited liability company or other entity in which Company
or any affiliate holds an equity interest and with respect to which board or
similar governing body Executive serves as Company's or such affiliate's
designee or other representative.

      6.    Confidentiality, Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation,
            Non-disparagement.

            (a) Confidentiality. While employed by Company and thereafter,
      Executive shall not disclose any Confidential Information either directly
      or indirectly, to anyone (other than appropriate Company employees and
      advisors), or use such information for his own account, or for the account
      of any other person or entity, without the prior written consent of
      Company or except as required by law. This confidentiality covenant has no
      temporal or geographical restriction. For purposes of this Agreement,
      "Confidential Information" shall mean all non-public information
      respecting Company's business, including, but not limited to, its
      services, pricing, scheduling, products, research and development,
      processes, customer lists, marketing plans and strategies, and financing
      plans, but excluding information that is, or becomes, available to the
      public (unless such availability occurs through an unauthorized act on the
      part of Executive). Upon termination of this Agreement, Executive shall
      promptly supply to Company all property and any other tangible product or
      document that has been produced by, received by or otherwise submitted to
      Executive during or prior to his term of employment, and shall not retain
      any copies thereof.

            (b) Non-Competition. Executive acknowledges that his services are of
      special, unique and extraordinary value to Company. Accordingly, if
      Company is paying or has paid the Executive an amount determined by the
      Multiple in Section 4.2(b)(i) or 4.3(a), then the Executive shall not at
      any time prior to the first anniversary of the Date of Termination become
      an employee, consultant, officer, partner or director of any air carrier
      which competes with Company (or any of its affiliates).

<PAGE>

      (c) Non-solicitation. Executive shall not, at any time prior to the first
anniversary of the date of termination, whether on Executive's own behalf or on
behalf of or in conjunction with any person, company, business entity or other
organization whatsoever, directly or indirectly, (x) solicit or encourage any
employee of Company or its affiliates to leave the employment of Company or its
affiliates or (y), without permission of Company, knowingly hire a former
employee of Company or its affiliates.

      (d) Non-disparagement. While employed by Company and at any time prior to
the later of the first anniversary of the Date of Termination or the cessation
of any payments due Executive under Section 4.2 or 4.3, Executive agrees not to
make any untruthful or disparaging statements, written or oral, about Company,
its affiliates, their predecessors or successors or any of their past and
present officers, directors, stockholders, partners, members, agents and
employees or Company's business practices, operations or personnel policies and
practices to any of Company's customers, clients, competitors, suppliers,
investors, directors, consultants, employees, former employees, or the press or
other media in any country.

      (e) Condition and Remedies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive is
entitled to any payments under Sections 4(2) and (3) hereof, then Executive's
obligations pursuant to this Section 6 are specifically conditioned on Company
paying (whether in installments or as a lump sum, as required herein) any
amounts to which Executive may be entitled thereunder in the manner required.
Executive agrees that any breach of the terms of this Section 6 would result in
irreparable injury and damage for which there would be no adequate remedy at
law, and that, in the event of said breach or any threat of breach, Company
shall be entitled to (i) an immediate injunction and restraining order to
prevent such breach or threatened breach, without having to prove damages and
(ii) any other remedies to which Company may be entitled at law or in equity.
Executive further agrees that the provisions of the covenant not to compete are
reasonable. Should a court determine, however, that any provision of the
covenant not to compete is unreasonable, either in period of time, geographical
area, or otherwise, the parties hereto agree that the covenant should be
interpreted and enforced to the maximum extent which such court deems
reasonable. The provisions of this Section 6 shall survive any termination of
this Agreement and Executive's term of employment. The existence of any claim or
cause of action or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement
of the covenants and agreements of this Section 6.

7.    Successors and Assigns.

      (a) This Agreement shall bind any successor to Company, whether by
purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, in the same manner and to the same
extent that Company would be obligated under this Agreement if no such
succession had taken place.

      (b) This Agreement shall not be assignable by Executive. This Agreement
and all rights of Executive hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be
enforceable by, Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors,
administrators, successors, heirs, distributes, devises and legatees.

<PAGE>

8.    Term.

      The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and end
upon Executive's termination of employment. The rights and obligations of
Company and Executive shall survive the termination of this Agreement to the
fullest extent necessary to give effect to the terms hereof.

9.    Notices.

      Notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall
be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand
or e-mail, the day after delivery to Federal Express for overnight delivery, two
days after delivery to the United States Postal Service for mailing, addressed:

      (a) if to Executive, to the address set forth on the signature page
hereto, and

      (b) if to Company, c/o Pinnacle Airlines, Inc., 1689 Nonconnah Blvd.,
Suite 111, Memphis, TN 38132 Attention: Chairman of the Board of Directors, or,
in each case, to such other address as may have been furnished in writing.

10.   Withholding.

      All payments required to be made by Company hereunder shall be subject to
the withholding and/or deduction of such amounts as are required to be withheld
or deducted pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. Company shall have the
right and is hereby authorized to withhold or deduct from any compensation or
other amount owing to Executive, applicable withholding taxes and deductions and
to take such action as may be necessary in the opinion of Company to satisfy all
obligations for the payment of such taxes or deductions.

11.   Certain Defined Terms.

      As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

      "Agreement" shall mean this Management Compensation Agreement, as the same
may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in
accordance herewith.

      "Affiliate" shall mean any corporation, trust, partnership, limited
liability company or other organization which controls, is controlled by, or is
under common control with Company.

      "Base Salary" shall mean the salary of Executive in effect from time to
time under Section 2.1.

      "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of Company.

      "Bonus Plan" See Attachment "A".

<PAGE>

      "Cause" shall mean with respect to termination by Company of Executive's
employment hereunder (i) an act or acts of dishonesty by Executive resulting in,
or intended to result in, directly or indirectly, any personal enrichment of
Executive, (ii) an act or acts of dishonesty by Executive intended to cause
substantial injury to Company, (iii) material breach (other than as a result of
a Disability) by Executive of Executive's obligations under this Agreement which
action was (a) undertaken without a reasonable belief that the action was in the
best interests of Company and (b) not remedied within a reasonable period of
time after receipt of written notice from Company specifying the alleged breach,
(iv) Executive's conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, (a) a crime
constituting a felony under the laws of any country, the United States or any
state thereof or (b) a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, (v) a material
breach of (a) Company's policies and procedures in effect from time to time or
(b) the provisions of this Agreement; provided, however, that such breach shall
constitute "Cause" only if Company gives Executive notice pursuant to Section 9
hereof, which shall include a detailed and specific description of the alleged
material breach or breaches.

      "Change in Control" shall have the meaning given such term in the Stock
Incentive Plan in effect on the effective date of this Agreement, provided that,
for purposes of this definition, the term "Permitted Holders" shall include
Northwest Airlines Corporation or any affiliate of Northwest Airlines
Corporation.

      "Date of Termination" shall mean, with respect to Executive, the date of
termination of Executive's employment hereunder after the notice period provided
by Section 3.4.

      "Disability" shall mean Executive's physical or mental condition which
prevents continued performance of his duties hereunder, if Executive establishes
by medical evidence that such condition will be permanent and continuous during
the remainder of Executive's life or is likely to be of at least three (3) years
duration.

      "Effective Date" shall mean January 1, 2005.

      "Good Reason" shall mean with respect to an Executive, any one or more of
the following:

      (a) a material reduction in Executive's Base Salary or level of target
bonus under the Bonus Plan or any successor bonus plan without Executive's
consent;

      (b) any substantial and sustained diminution in Executive's title,
position, authority, or responsibilities hereunder (unless due to Executive's
disability); or

      (c) a failure by Company to comply with any provision of this Agreement;
provided, however, that the foregoing events shall constitute Good Reason only
if Company fails to cure such event within thirty (30) days after receipt from
Executive of written notice of the event which constitutes Good Reason;
provided, further, that "Good Reason" shall cease to exist for an event on the
90th day following the later of its occurrence or Executive's knowledge thereof,
unless Executive has given Company written notice thereof prior to such date.

<PAGE>

      In order for Executive's termination of his employment to be considered
for Good Reason, such termination must occur within one (1) year after the event
giving rise to such Good Reason. Executive's continued employment shall not
constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance
constituting Good Reason hereunder.

      "Incentive Bonus" See Attachment "A".

      "Notice of Termination" shall mean a notice specifying the Date of
Termination.

12.   Executive Representation.

      Executive hereby represents to Company that the execution and delivery of
this Agreement by Executive and Company and the performance by Executive of
Executive's duties hereunder shall not constitute a breach of, or otherwise
contravene, the terms of any employment agreement or other agreement or policy
to which Executive is a party or otherwise bound.

13.   Amendment.

      No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged
unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by
Executive and an officer of Company authorized by the Board to do so. No waiver
of any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a continuing waiver or a
waiver of any other provision, whether or not similar.

14.   Governing Law.

      The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this
Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee, without
regard to principles of conflicts of laws.

15.   Validity.

      The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this
Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision
of this Agreement which shall remain in full force and effect.

16.   Arbitration.

      Except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 17 of this Agreement, all
disputes and controversies arising from or in conjunction with Executive's
employment with, or any termination from, Company and all disputes and
controversies arising under or in connection with this Agreement (except claims
for vested benefits brought under ERISA) shall be settled by mandatory
arbitration conducted before one arbitrator having knowledge of employment law
in accordance with the rules for expedited resolution of employment disputes of
the American Arbitration Association then in effect. The arbitration shall be
held in the Memphis, Tennessee metropolitan area at a location selected by
Company. The determination of the arbitrator shall be made within thirty (30)
days following the close of the hearing on any dispute or controversy and shall
be final

<PAGE>

and binding on the parties. The parties hereby waive their right to a trial of
any and all claims arising out of this Agreement or breach of this Agreement.
Each party agrees to pay his or its own costs and expenses incurred in
connection with any arbitration including, without limitation, attorney's fees
and one-half of the arbitrator's fees, unless the arbitrator determines that
such expenses must be otherwise allocated under applicable law to maintain the
validity of this Section 16.

17.   Specific Performance.

      Notwithstanding Section 16 of this Agreement, if Executive breaches or
threatens to commit a breach of Section 6 of this Agreement, Company shall have
the right to specific performance (i.e., the right and remedy to have the terms
and conditions of Section 6 specifically enforced by a court of competent
jurisdiction), it being agreed that any breach or threatened breach of Section 6
would cause irreparable injury and that money damages may not provide an
adequate remedy. If Company exercises its right to seek specific performance in
a court of competent jurisdiction, Executive may assert any claims he may have
against Company or its affiliates in such action, and nothing set forth in
Paragraph 16 of this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to limit
Executive's right to assert such claims.

18.   Cooperation.

      Executive shall provide his reasonable cooperation in connection with any
investigation, action or proceeding (or any appeal from any action or
proceeding) which relates to events occurring during Executive's employment
hereunder. This provision shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

19.   Compensation Limitation

      Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive and Company agree that (i) to the
extent permitted by any Federal statute (the "Act") that limits compensation of
Executive hereunder, any payments or benefits payable to Executive under this
Agreement (including, without limitation, payments under Sections 2 and 4
hereof) or pursuant to any other compensation or benefit plan of Company or
other arrangement between Company and Executive that do not comply with the Act
shall be deferred until such payments or benefits may be paid under the Act, and
(ii) to the extent the Act does not permit the deferral of any such payments or
benefits, the maximum compensation and/or severance Executive may receive from
Company under this Agreement or any other compensation or benefit plan of
Company or other arrangement between Company and Executive will not exceed the
amount allowed under the Act.

20.   Entire Agreement.

      This Agreement, any award agreement between Company and Executive entered
into pursuant to Company's stock Incentive Compensation Programs, and Company's
employee benefit plans in which Executive will continue to participate as
provided in this Agreement, contain the entire understanding between Company and
Executive with respect to Executive's employment with Company and supersede in
all respects any prior

<PAGE>

or other agreement or understanding between Company or any affiliate of Company
and Executive with respect to Executive's employment.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Company and Executive have executed this Agreement as
of the day and year first above written.

                                          PINNACLE AIRLINES, INC.

                                          By: /s/ Stephen Gorman
                                              ----------------------------
                                                     Stephen Gorman
                                                     Chairman

                                          EXECUTIVE:

                                          /s/ Douglas W. Shockey
                                              ----------------------------
                                          Douglas W. Shockey

                                          Address:
                                                   -----------------------

                                          --------------------------------
                                          E-mail address:
                                                          ----------------

<PAGE>

                                                                  ATTACHMENT "A"

                         INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAMS

1.    Cash Incentives: Annual Management Bonus Plan

2.    Stock Incentives: 2003 Stock Incentive Plan

<PAGE>

                                                                  ATTACHMENT "B"

                                 GENERAL RELEASE

This Release is made and entered into by Douglas W. Shockey (the "Executive")
and Pinnacle Airlines, Inc. (the "Company").

In consideration of the payments, benefit continuation and acceleration provided
for in Section 4.2(b)(i), (ii) and (iii) of this Management Compensation
Agreement, Executive, on behalf of himself and for any person or entity who may
claim by or through him, irrevocably and unconditionally releases, waives, and
forever discharges Company, its past, present, and future subsidiaries,
divisions, affiliates, successors, and their respective officers, directors,
attorneys, agents, and present and past employees from any and all claims or
causes of action that Executive had, has, or may have relating to Executive's
employment with Company and/or termination therefrom up to and including the
date of this Agreement, including but not limited to any claims under Title VII
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Tennessee Human Rights Act, the
Age Discrimination in Employment Act ("ADEA"), and claims under any other
federal, state, or local statute, regulation, or ordinance, including wrongful
or retaliatory discharge.

This Release shall not be construed as an admission by Company of any liability,
wrongdoing, or violation of any law, statute, regulation, agreement or policy,
and Company denies any such liability or wrongdoing.

Executive acknowledges and agrees that this Release includes a release and
waiver as to claims under the ADEA. Executive acknowledges and confirms that he
understands and agrees to the terms and conditions of this Release; that these
terms are written in layperson terms, and that he has been fully advised of his
rights to seek the advice and assistance of consultants, including an attorney,
to review this Release. Executive further acknowledges that he does not waive
any rights or claims under the ADEA that arise after the date this Release is
signed by him, and specifically, Executive understands that he is receiving
money and benefits beyond anything of value to which he is already entitled from
Company. Executive acknowledges that he has had up to 21 days to consider
whether to accept and sign this Release, and has had adequate time and
opportunity to review the Release and consult with any legal counsel or other
advisors of his choosing. Executive understands that if he signs this Release
before the expiration of the 21-day period, his signature will evidence his
voluntary election to forego waiting the full 21 days to sign this Release. If
Executive chooses not to accept, or the 21-day period expires without his
acceptance, then the offer in this Release is null and void. Executive further
acknowledges that in compliance with the Older Workers' Benefit Protection Act
of 1990, he has been fully advised by Company of his right to revoke and nullify
this Release, and that this revocation must be exercised, if at all, within
seven days of the date he signs this Release. Executive may revoke his
acceptance at any time within the seven days following his signing of this
Release by notifying Company of his decision to revoke the acceptance by writing
directed and delivered to Pinnacle

<PAGE>

Airlines, Inc., 1689 Nonconnah Boulevard, Suite 111, Memphis, TN 38132,
Attention: Chairman of the Board.

Acceptance of this offer is strictly voluntary. This Release shall become
effective and enforceable only after the seven-day revocation period has
expired. Should Executive decline to accept the benefits of this Release, or if
is revoked by him, Executive will not receive the proposed additional
compensation and benefits.

      By his signature below, Executive accepts the terms of this Release.

PINNACLE AIRLINES, INC.                   EXECUTIVE

By:_________________________________      __________________________________

Name:_______________________________      Name:_____________________________

Title:______________________________      Address:__________________________

                                          __________________________________

                                          __________________________________

Date:_______________________________      Date:_____________________________

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