United to Slow Pilot Hiring, Blames Boeing Delivery Delays

The airline says it will pause pilot new hire classes in May and June.

Ryan Ewing

Monday, March 11, 2024 at 01:39 PM ET

Verified

A United 737-800 in San Francisco (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ben Suskind)

Key Takeaways:

United Airlines will pause new pilot hiring classes in May and June, citing significant aircraft delivery and certification delays from Boeing.
The airline expects to receive 21 fewer 737 Max aircraft than initially forecast and has removed the 737 Max 10 from its 2024 fleet plan, slowing its planned growth.
United's decision aligns with a broader trend among U.S. carriers, with Delta, Southwest, and Spirit Airlines also reducing or halting pilot hiring due to similar operational and supply chain challenges.

See a mistake? Contact us.

United Airlines is the latest U.S. carrier to slow pilot hiring this year. According to a CNBC report, the Chicago-based carrier will pause new hire classes in May and June, citing delivery delays at Boeing.

The airline expects to receive 21 fewer 737 Max aircraft this year than its original forecast. Manufacturing delays continue to plague Boeing following January’s door plug incident on an Alaska 737 Max 9.