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

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

Key Takeaways:

United Airlines is pausing pilot hiring classes in May and June due to significant aircraft delivery and certification delays from Boeing.
The airline expects 21 fewer 737 Max aircraft this year and has removed the 737 Max 10 from its fleet plan, impacting its growth projections for 2024.
This slowdown aligns with a broader industry trend, as other major U.S. carriers like Delta and Southwest have also reduced or halted pilot hiring this year.

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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.