U.S. pilot hiring tanked in 2024 as airlines continue to face aircraft delivery delays. The reduction comes after several years of record hiring trends as carriers recovered from the pandemic.
United Leads
United Airlines continues to bolster its pilot ranks, hiring 1,317 new aviators last year. In 2023, the Chicago-based carrier hired 2,349 pilots. It hired 2,500 in 2022.
Spirit Airlines and FedEx didn’t hire any pilots in 2024. Both Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines halted regular hiring during the first quarter of last year.
2025 Outlook
2024’s lower numbers are in line with 2019, when U.S. airlines hired 4,977 new pilots.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he’s worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks’ owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
Credit: flyingmag.com
