2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (2024)

Airlines are hiring at faster rates than ever before. Pilots training and building their hours now will be among the most competitive. Stay up-to-date on pilot hiring announcements and what's going on with the pilot job market.

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (1) American Airlines Regional Carriers Hike Pilot Pay More Than 50% As Shortage Persists

June 2022 - Piedmont and Envoy pilots will get 50% pay premiums through August 2024.

Two American Airlines-owned regional carriers will hike pilot pay by 50% through the end of August 2024, the latest sign airlines are willing to pay up in hopes of ending a pilot shortage that has left some travelers with fewer flight options.

The increases would make the pilots the highest paid of the U.S. regional airlines, ramping up pressure on other carriers to follow suit.

Source: cnbc.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (2) FedEx No Longer Requires Pilots To Have a 4-Year Degree, and Hiring 70 Pilots Per Month

May 2022 - FedEx: No Degree Required and Hiring 70 Pilots Per Month

According to an internal memo, FedEx to no longer require pilots to have a 4-year degree to apply, and hire 70 pilots per month for the "foreseeable future".

Source: facebook.com/aerocrewnews

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (3) American Airlines Planning to Hire Up to 70 Pilots per Week

January 2022 - American Airlines: We’re Staffing Up for the Holidays

According to an internal memo, American Airlines plans to hire up to 80 pilots a week.

Source: twitter.com/AeroCrewNews

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (4) American Airlines to Hire 440 Pilots by the End of 2021

November 2021 - American Airlines: We’re Staffing Up for the Holidays

American Airlines said Monday that it is ramping up staffing—particularly within flight operations—to make sure that the thousands of cancellations that happened over Halloween weekend won’t happen again as people head home for the holidays.

The airline said it will hire 440 hiring pilots between now and the end of 2021, as well as staff within tech operations, at airports and in reservations, “so more team members will be in place for the holiday season,” Seymour said.

Source: flyingmag.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (5) Southwest Airlines Opens Pilot Hiring Window for 2022 First Officer Positions

October 2021 - Southwest Pilot application window will Open Oct 1-10!

We are opening our application window again! Even if you applied in July, you will need to apply again October 1-10 to be considered for 2022 classes.

Source: swa.pilotcredentials.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (6) PSA Airlines Is Now Offering Pilots Up to $187,500 in Bonuses and Guaranteed Flow to American

August 2021 - As a PSA pilot, you’ll be part of a growing, close-knit, passionate team flying exclusively for American Airlines. You’ll receive the industry's highest compensation, unparalleled advancement opportunities, and benefits few other regionals can match.

Pilot Retention Bonus Program, up to $150,000. High Experience Bonus, $15,000 for those with at least 1,000 hours of qualified FAR 121 experience or $10,000 for those with at least 750 hours of qualified FAR 121 experience. Sign-on Bonus, $15,000 with $10,000 after training completion and $5,000 at one-year anniversary. CRJ-Type Rating Bonus, $7,500 for pilots with qualified CRJ-type rating.

Source: psaairlines.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (7) Envoy Is Introducing the Pilot Retention and Bonus Program for Pilots to Earn Up to $150,000 in Retention Compensation and Captain Bonuses

August 2021 - Envoy is introducing the Pilot Retention and Bonus Program for pilots to earn up to $150,000 in retention compensation and captain bonuses. This program is designed to reward pilots for their efforts and incentivize all pilots to continue their careers at Envoy or begin a new chapter at American Airlines. And with an industry leading flow-through agreement to American, Envoy pilots have a direct path to a mainline flying career, with no additional interview required.

This program is in addition to the $15,000 signing bonus Envoy is offering new pilots today and will make it even more attractive for candidates who want to join the Envoy team. The program will also be retroactive to include all current pilots at Envoy and new hires through 2022.

Source: envoyair.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (8) Piedmont Airlines Pilots Flowing to American Airlines Are Eligible for a $120,000 Bonus, With Cadets Eligible for an Additional $22,500 Bonus

August 2021 - Pilots who choose to join Piedmont Airlines’ exceptional aviation team can earn over $180,000 in bonuses as part of an unprecedented recruitment and retention package and have a guaranteed job at American Airlines under a company “flow” program. You will train at the American Airlines Flight Training Center in Charlotte, North Carolina and flow to American in seniority order. No regional airline gets pilots to a major airline faster.

Source: piedmont-airlines.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (9) JetBlue Opens First Officer Pilot Hiring Window

August 2021 - Our pilots share a passion for safety, customer service and caring for their crews. JetBlue pilots inspire teamwork and take pride in making values-based decisions in the air and on the ground. Roles are available at BOS (Boston), FLL (Fort Lauderdale), JFK (New York), LAX (Los Angeles) and MCO (Orlando).

Source: careers.jetblue.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (10) Envoy Air, Piedmont and PSA Are Offering a $15,000 Sign-On Bonus

July 2021 - Envoy is pleased to announce the return of a bonus for all new hire pilots. Starting today, July 28, 2021, Envoy now offers new hire pilots a $15,000 sign-on bonus, paid out over the first year. Acceptance of this bonus includes a two-year commitment to Envoy as a pilot.

Source: envoyair.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (11) American Airlines Plans to Hire 350 Pilots by the End of 2021 and Over 1,000 Pilots in 2022

July 2021 - Following the release of American Airlines’ (A1G) (AAL) 2021 second-quarter financial report, the carrier revealed its intent on adding 1,350 pilots by the year 2022.

Prior to the report, American Airlines (A1G) (AAL) reported having asked over 3,300 employees to return from leave to aid in fortifying its staffing requirements. Additionally, the US-based carrier hired nearly 3,500 new employees in 2021 and plans to hire 350 pilots by the end of 2021 and over 1,000 pilots and 800 flight attendants in 2022.

Source: aerotime.aero

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (12) Southwest Airlines to Hire 120 Pilots for Classes Beginning in December of 2021

July 2021 - Southwest Airlines is coming back, and the airline is focused on having the staffing it needs in a post-crisis world. To that extent, the airline will be opening up positions for roughly 120 pilots. Southwest is not the only carrier hiring pilots in 2021, but it is further evidence of the ongoing recovery in the American aviation industry.

Source: simpleflying.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (13) Republic Airways Increases New Hire First Officer Bonus to $17,000

July 2021 - Republic has increased its new hire First Officer bonus to a industry leading $17,000.

Source: aerocrewnews.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (14) United Airlines Expects To Hire 10,000 More Pilots By 2030

June 2021 - United’s new blockbuster order for 270 new Airbus and Boeing aircraft comes with huge job growth. The carrier plans to hire 10,000 new pilots by the end of the decade and a total of 25,000 new employees by 2026. These will be spread out across United’s hubs, with Newark seeing the largest rise in workforce.

Source: simpleflying.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (15) Delta to Hire More Than 1,000 Pilots as It Plots Recovery

June 2021 - Delta Air Lines Inc. plans to hire more than 1,000 pilots by next summer to support its expected recovery from the devastation of the pandemic and an expansion of its route network.

Domestic leisure travel will return to pre-pandemic volumes this month, John Laughter, Delta’s operations chief, said in a memo to flight-operations employees Monday. Travel restrictions across the Atlantic should ease in the second half of the year, he said, building on recent market openings in Spain, France, Italy and Greece.

Source: bloomberg.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (16) American Air Scraps 950 July Flights with Staff Stretched

June 2021 - American Airlines Group Inc. dropped about 1% % of its scheduled daily flights for July after a faster-than-expected surge in summer travel led to crew shortages.

Source: bloomberg.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (17) Delta Air Lines Will Begin Hiring 150 Pilots per Month

June 2021 - Delta Air Lines will begin hiring 150 per month starting in September until the end of the year. Starting in January 2022, they will be hiring 200 per month.

Source: Aero Crew Solutions

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (18) Allegiant Hiring 184 Pilots in the Coming Months

May 2021 - Allegiant is hiring and plans to increase pilot workforce by 19% this summer.

Source: simpleflying.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (19) Endeavor Air Hiring Pilots and Offering $10,000 Training Completion Bonus

May 2021 - Offering a positive company culture, top pilot pay rates and career stability. Endeavor pilots are leading the way with the best hourly pilot pay and enjoy a family-like culture where your team supports you every step of the way. First-year First Officer pay rate of $52.19/hr and third-year Captain pay rate of $99.40/hr, $10,000 Pilot Training Completion Bonus and more.

Source: endeavorair.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (20) Horizon Air Now Hiring and Offering $11,000 in Tuition Reimbursem*nt

May 2021 - Horizon Air is accepting aspiring pilots into their Pilot Development Program. ATP students can earn $11,000 in tuition reimbursem*nt.

Source: Internal Memo

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (21) Delta Air Lines Resumes Pilot Hiring in 2021

April 2021 - Delta Air Lines said Wednesday it will resume hiring new pilots, following other carriers in preparing for future staffing as travel demand rebounds.

The Atlanta-based carrier will start by adding 75 pilots who have conditional job offers in June through August “and will likely increase the number of new pilots by September,” John Laughter, Delta's senior vice president and chief of operations, wrote in a staff memo, which was seen by CNBC.

Source: nbcnewyork.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (22) American to Hire 300 Pilots by the End of 2021

April 2021 - American Airlines plans to resume hiring pilots this fall, the carrier told aviators on Tuesday, as a rebound in demand prompts airlines to rethinking their future staffing.

Source: cnbc.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (23) Envoy Air Now Hiring First Officers

April 2021 - Envoy Air Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL) operating nearly 180 aircraft on about 900 daily flights to more than 150 destinations. The company’s more than 14,000 employees provide regional flight service to American Airlines under the American Eagle brand and livery and ground handling services for multiple airlines, including American.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, Envoy is the largest regional airline provider for American, the world’s largest airline. And with an industry leading flow-through agreement to American, Envoy pilots have a direct path to a mainline flying career, with no additional interview required.

Source: airlineapps.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (24) Republic Airways Now Hiring First Officers

April 2021 - We’re looking for highly qualified, motivated pilots who want to work for an airline that respects its employees, offers fantastic opportunities and is dedicated to making a difference. If that sounds like you, then you’re Republic ready!

Source: careers.rjet.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (25) CommuteAir Hiring ATP Graduates. No HR Interview Required Under New Partnership.

April 2021 - CommuteAir, a United Express carrier, announced it will offer a fast-track hiring process for ATP Flight School students, strengthening CommuteAir’s partnership with ATP as the airline continues growing.

The program, which is available exclusively to ATP Flight School students and instructors, provides applicants a conditional job offer for a first officer position upon the successful completion of a background check and technical interview, creating a more streamlined hiring and onboarding experience for qualified candidates.

Source: flycommuteair.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (26) SkyWest Airlines Now Hiring First Officers

April 2021 - SkyWest Airlines pilots have more opportunity, exposure, and access than any other regional pilots, allowing them to truly Take Control of Their Pilot Careers.

With 18 domiciles, a fleet of over 450 aircraft and growing, and flying agreements with four mainline partners – United, Delta, American and Alaska – SkyWest offers the best quality of life for pilots.

Source: skywest.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (27) United Airlines® Hiring Hundreds of Pilots and Interviewing for Aviate

April 2021 - United Airlines on Thursday told staff it will soon begin hiring hundreds of pilots — a process the airline was forced to halt when coronavirus pandemic devastated travel demand last year, according to an internal email reviewed by CNBC. The Chicago-based airline is the first of the large U.S. carriers to announce it will resume pilot hiring, the latest sign it’s preparing for a recovery.

Source: cnbc.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (28) PSA Airlines Hiring 30 Pilots Bi-Weekly

March 2021 - PSA is officially hiring! Planning classes of 30 new hires bi-weekly, starting in April.

Source: facebook.com/aerocrewnews/

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (29) Air Wisconsin Opens First Officer Applications Window

March 2021 - Air Wisconsin has updated their “open positions” to include First Officers.

Source: facebook.com/aerocrewnews/

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (30) Endeavor Air Hiring First Officers

March 2021 - Endeavor is hiring pilots again - join our growing team!

Endeavor provides an exciting opportunity to fly commercial MHI CRJ 200/700/900 aircraft. Our pilots are safety conscious and customer oriented. The Pilot conducts flight operations in strict compliance with company policies, procedures, and federal regulations.

Source: pilotcareers-endeavorair

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (31) Frontier Airlines to Hire 100 Pilots This Year

January 19, 2021 - U.S. ultra low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines, which is owned by private equity firm Indigo Partners, is planning to resume new pilot hiring this year, a Frontier spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

The airline intends to open the pilot application window soon with the aim of re-starting hiring that was frozen during the pandemic by July, provided passenger demand recovers, the spokeswoman said, confirming a report from sources. The current plan is to hire around 100 pilots this year, she said.

Source: reuters.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (32) GoJet Airlines Opens First Officer Pilot Hiring

March 2, 2021 - We're ready, are you?! It's been a long year, but we're excited to announce that the Pilot application window at GoJet Airlines is NOW OPEN!

Source: facebook.com/gojetpilots

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (33) CommuteAir Visiting ATP Training Centers

March 28, 2021 - CommuteAir visiting ATP training centers the week of March 28.

Source: Airline Location Visits

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (34) United Interviewing Eligible Aviate Applicants

March 1, 2021 - Starting February 23, 2021, United will resume interviewing eligible Aviate applicants from across our partner network: universities, flight schools, Part 135 operators and United Express carriers.

Source: aerocrewnews.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (35) Spirit Airlines to Hire 400 Pilots

February 13, 2021 - Spirit Airlines has announced it is hiring new pilots and flight attendants in anticipation of a return to normal travel levels in 2021. It’s also hiring flight instructors and flight attendant recruiters as it gets ready for recovery. “We’ll be a big hirer again,” CEO Ted Christie told CNBC.

Source: avweb.com

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (36) Horizon Air Opening First Officer Applications

February 26, 2021 - Come fly with us: Our First Officer application window opens March 1 to March 7.

Source: facebook.com/QXPilotRecruiting

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (37) Delta To Reactivate All Pilots By October

February 28, 2021 - Delta has told its pilots it plans to have them all back to flying status by October to get ready for a return to more normal operations. A memo from Chief of Operations John Laughter says details will be unveiled March 5 and COVID-19-idled pilots can expect a busy summer of training and refreshers. “Looking ahead, we’re preparing to potentially build back to 2019 levels of flying by summer 2023,” he wrote. “This decision is a significant step to position Delta for the network recovery and supports projected customer demand.”

Source: avweb.com

Atlas, FedEx and UPS Hired a Combined 91 Pilots in January of 2021

January 2021 - FedEx hired 36 pilots in January. Atlas Air hired 32 pilots in January. UPS hired 23 pilots in January.

Source: facebook.com/gojetpilots

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (38) FedEx Is Projected to Hire 560 New Pilots in 2021

January 2021 - FedEx reports it will hire 52 pilots a month until their staffing needs are met. Projecting a total of 560 new pilots in 2021.

Source: fapa.aero

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (39) UPS Is Expected to Hire 227 Pilots in 2021

January 2021 - UPS reports they expect to hire 227 pilots in 2021.

Source: fapa.aero

2024 Pilot Hiring Announcements and Airline Industry News (2024)

FAQs

What is the career outlook for pilots in 2024? ›

Sky-High Salaries and Attractive Benefits

Kit Darby, an esteemed pilot career counselor and aviation consultant, reports a 546% increase in starting salaries for regional airline pilots since 2000, soaring from $16,000 to $108,000 annually by 2024.

Is pilot hiring slowing down? ›

Hiring numbers at the 12 major airlines year-to-date are 2,989 pilots; 4,361 pilots were hired by this time last year. The first two months of 2024 saw the largest dip in hiring with 984 pilots hired in January and 732 in February.

Which airline is hiring the most pilots? ›

Delta Air Lines

Will pilots be needed in the next 10 years? ›

Ongoing Pilot Shortage

In its 2023-2043 Aerospace Forecast, the FAA cites the airline pilot shortage as an ongoing issue and one that is likely to persist. Boeing Pilot Technician Outlook projects that 127,000 pilots are needed in North America through 2042.

What is the airline industry outlook for 2024? ›

Overall, airlines expect international traffic to return to around 90% of 2019 levels for 2024,” Li observed. “In addition, tightening demand-supply dynamics should lend support to passenger yields and support an earnings rebound over the course of the 2024–2026 financial years.”

Is there still a pilot shortage in the USA in 2024? ›

United recently paused its hiring due to aircraft delivery delays. American, Southwest and Delta have all indicated they will hire fewer pilots in 2024, although American has stated it will continue to need about 1,300 pilots per year for the foreseeable future (Maharishi, 2024).

Which airlines are laying off pilots? ›

Spirit Airlines set to furlough pilots

The airline said it will also furlough approximately 260 pilots effective September 1, 2024, due to the aircraft deferrals and Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine availability issues.

Are airlines hiring in 2024? ›

Several major carriers — including American and Southwest — have announced plans to halt new hire classes through the end of 2024.

Which airlines stopped hiring pilots? ›

' The Fort Worth-based carrier joins a growing list of major airlines pumping the brakes on recruitment after a record-setting period of pilot hiring. Both Delta and United have substantially scaled back their pilot hiring outlooks this year. Southwest stopped hiring new aviators altogether.

Which branch needs pilots the most? ›

The Air Force has the largest number of military pilots. These pilots work in a variety of specialty areas including bombers, airlifts, special operations, surveillance, and navigation.

Which state pays pilots the most? ›

Washington, WA

What is the best US airline to work for as a pilot? ›

Many pilots praise Delta Air Lines for its high salaries and excellent benefits. At Southwest Airlines, pilots often mention the positive work environment and the company's dedication to employee satisfaction. At Singapore Airlines, pilots highlight the rigorous training and opportunities for career advancement.

Where are pilots most in demand? ›

In 2029, Asia Pacific will see the largest pilot shortage in the world, with over 22,000 pilots needed to fill the demand in the aviation industry. North America will also need over 20,600 pilots to fill up the pilot demand in the region.

Will there still be a pilot shortage in 5 years? ›

Uncertainty in the long term

The longer-term pilot supply outlook is uncertain. In October, consulting firm Oliver Wyman estimated a pilot shortfall across North America would persist for the next decade, with a 2032 shortfall of 13,000 pilots being similar to the shortage that exists today.

Will there be a pilot shortage in 2025? ›

A recent study conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasizes the severity of the problem, projecting that by 2025, the worldwide demand for pilots will surpass the available supply by over 4,000. This shortage carries substantial implications for the safety of air travel passengers.

What is the future outlook for pilots? ›

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for airline and commercial pilots is also growing at about four percent per year. They estimate that there are about 16,800 job openings for airline pilots every year, and there will be a need for 5,400 more pilots in the US alone by 2032.

Will pilots be needed in 2025? ›

Projections show the global pilot shortage could reach 50,000 pilots by 2025.

Is there a future in becoming a pilot? ›

Over the next 10-15 years, the global pilot workforce will undergo a dramatic change. Aviation is continuing to grow, creating a demand for pilots that exceeds supply in most places; at the same time, an increasing number of pilots in the baby-boom generation are reaching mandatory retirement age.

How much do pilots make in 2024? ›

For the relatively small investment you make in flight training, the financial rewards of a pilot's paycheck are more than sufficient. With an annual income in 2024 ranging from $56,000 to $700,000+ in the U.S., it is important to understand how pilot salaries are calculated.

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