Why One European Airline Has a Surplus of Applicants During a Pilot Shortage

Norse Atlantic Airways CEO says timing and equipment has been the key to early success.

Michael Wildes

Thursday, June 02, 2022 at 08:04 AM ET

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Norse Atlantic Airway has nine Boeing 787 aircraft with more to come. [Courtesy: Norse Atlantic Airways]

Key Takeaways:

A new European low-cost airline, Norse Atlantic Airways, received over 3,000 pilot applications for 50 positions, highlighting a contrasting abundance of pilots in Europe compared to the U.S.
U.S. airlines are facing severe pilot shortages, high attrition, and training bottlenecks, leading them to drop hiring requirements, re-evaluate past applicants, and invest heavily in training facilities.
Norse Atlantic Airways leveraged the post-pandemic market to acquire aircraft and airport slots at a discount, positioning itself with a "fresh start" and ample pilot supply for transatlantic routes while U.S. carriers struggle to staff up despite record demand.

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While U.S. airlines can’t seem to hire pilots fast enough, a new European low-cost transatlantic airline said more than 3,000 pilots applied for the 50 available positions it recently posted.

Bjorn Tore Larsen, founder, and CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways, whose airline will begin long-haul service between Europe and North America this month, recently shared his company’s “problem” with the BBC.