Why One European Airline Has a Surplus of Applicants During a Pilot Shortage

Norse Atlantic Airways CEO says timing and equipment has been the key to early success.

Michael Wildes

Thursday, June 02, 2022 at 08:04 AM ET

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Norse Atlantic Airway has nine Boeing 787 aircraft with more to come. [Courtesy: Norse Atlantic Airways]

Key Takeaways:

A new European transatlantic airline, Norse Atlantic Airways, is experiencing an overwhelming surplus of pilot applicants (3,000+ for 50 positions), benefiting from its fresh start and ability to acquire assets post-pandemic.
Conversely, U.S. airlines like Delta, United, and JetBlue are struggling with severe pilot shortages, high attrition, and training bottlenecks, despite record demand.
U.S. carriers are responding by dropping degree requirements, reconsidering past applicants, and making significant investments in expanding pilot training facilities to address the ongoing workforce constraints.

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While U.S. airlines can’t seem to hire pilots fast enough, a new European low-cost transatlantic airline said more than 3,000 pilots applied for the 50 available positions it recently posted.

Bjorn Tore Larsen, founder, and CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways, whose airline will begin long-haul service between Europe and North America this month, recently shared his company’s “problem” with the BBC.