Airline pilot hiring shows renewed momentum

After a slowdown in 2025, airline pilot hiring is increasing again with indicators pointing to a continued momentum in 2026. Recent placement data from ATP Flight School, along with hiring projections released by major airlines, shows where the industry stands today—and where it's headed next.

While aircraft delivery delays and post-pandemic normalization slowed recruiting in early 2025, hiring accelerated later in the year as airlines worked to rebuild staffing pipelines. ATP reported that graduate placements with legacy and major airlines increased 30 percent. At the regional airline level, one in four new hires in 2025 was an ATP graduate, with many pilots reaching airline employment within three years of beginning training.

According to Aero Crew Solutions, American Airlines and United Airlines increased hiring to maximum capacity late in 2025, running weekly new-hire classes totaling approximately 500 pilots per month combined. That pace is expected to carry into 2026 as airlines respond to rising travel demand and long-term staffing needs.

Airline representatives shared similar expectations at the recent Regional Airline Association conference. American Airlines indicated plans to hire approximately 1,500 pilots in 2026. United Airlines discussed near-record hiring levels approaching 2,500 pilots, while Delta Air Lines reported plans to hire approximately 600 pilots in the first quarter. JetBlue Airways has also outlined longer-term staffing plans through its Gateways programs, stating that it aims to hire hundreds of pilots and maintenance technicians by 2030.

In 2025, ATP placed 983 graduates with regional airlines, major carriers, and corporate flight operators. Among the major carriers, American Airlines hired the highest number of ATP graduates, while SkyWest Airlines recruited more airline pilots than any other regional airline.

A major driver of this accelerated hiring continues to be mandatory retirements at airlines operating under FAR Part 121 regulations, which require pilots to retire at age 65. The National Air Carrier Association estimates that more than 12,000 airline pilots will reach mandatory retirement age over the next five years, combining with a long-term decline in the number of new students to create a projected shortfall exceeding 28,000 pilots by 2030.

ATP also reported additional alumni-support initiatives in 2025, including professional development resources such as Class Rating Instructor certificate renewal support, interview preparation, and training scholarships.

Beyond airline hiring, increased demand for airline pilots can influence flight training more broadly, often necessitating investment in aircraft, instruction, and training standards. As airlines prepare for a generational turnover, 2026 is expected to be an active year for pilot hiring.