An American A321 in Charlotte, North Carolina. [Credit: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson]
Key Takeaways:
American Airlines is pausing all new pilot hiring for the remainder of 2024, citing a need to evaluate commercial and talent requirements.
The airline had hired a record number of pilots in 2023, putting it ahead of its staffing needs, and is also experiencing aircraft delivery delays from Boeing.
American joins other major U.S. carriers, including Delta, United, and Southwest, that have also scaled back or halted pilot recruitment after a period of rapid hiring.
Ryan is Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group, overseeing a portfolio that includes FLYING, AirlineGeeks, AVweb, Plane + Pilot, KITPLANES, and AircraftForSale.com. He founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has more than a decade of experience across aviation media, airport operations, airline workforce planning, and Part 135 regulatory compliance. His experience ranges from time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing aviation industry executives. Ryan holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and is an adjunct instructor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
