The Current State of Airline Hiring

Here’s how pilot job openings have evolved lately.

John McDermott

Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 07:30 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

American Airlines says it is willing to step up pay incentives for pilots that keeps pace with those offered by Delta Air Lines. [Credit: iStock]

Key Takeaways:

Pilot hiring has returned to pre-pandemic normal levels in 2024, feeling slow for new entrants but still offering opportunities with regional airlines, major carriers, and private operators.
While pilot hiring is leveling out, there remains a significant shortage of aircraft mechanics, and demand for flight attendants is also ongoing.
A mild uptick in pilot hiring is anticipated due to increased aircraft deliveries and upcoming retirements, though some airlines are also scaling back growth projections.
Pilots should focus on maintaining flight currency, proficiency, and building a strong professional network to be competitive and prepared for future hiring waves.

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In recent months, pilot hiring has returned to normal pre-pandemic levels. Roughly 5,000 airline pilots were hired across the board in 2024, down from 13,000 a couple years prior.

This has created a condition that seems unbearably slow for pilots that launched their careers after the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those still training or working in entry-level pilot and flight instructor positions. Yet the slowdown is not inherently a bad sign. A return to normal was always inevitable, and the industry has ups and downs that veterans are sometimes painfully accustomed to.