Delta has not stated if the change to its hiring guidelines is a result of the pilot shortage. [Courtesy: Delta Air Lines]
Key Takeaways:
Delta Airlines has made a bachelor's degree "preferred" rather than required for first officer candidates, effective immediately.
This decision aligns Delta with other major U.S. airlines, including Southwest, United, and American Airlines, which also do not mandate a degree for pilots.
The airline stated the change aims to remove "unintentional barriers" and acknowledge that extensive life and leadership experience can be equivalent to a college education, potentially broadening the candidate pool.
Delta Airlines (NYSE: DAL) will no longer require pilots to hold a bachelor’s degree, the airline announced this week.
“After a comprehensive review of our pilot hiring requirements, Delta has decided to make a four-year college degree ‘preferred’ rather than required for first officer candidates, effective immediately,” the company said in a statement.
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Based in Texas, Ashley is the former Marketing Manager at FLYING and focuses deeply on training and education. She graduated from the Baylor Institute for Air Science with a Bachelor's in Aviation Science and holds an MBA specializing in Marketing. She is an also instrument rated private pilot and licensed FAA dispatcher.
