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:

Norse Atlantic Airways, a new European low-cost transatlantic airline, received over 3,000 pilot applications for just 50 available positions, highlighting a regional surplus for certain opportunities.
In stark contrast, U.S. airlines like Delta, United, and JetBlue are struggling with significant pilot shortages, high attrition rates, and training bottlenecks despite record passenger demand.
New airlines capitalized on the pandemic's travel downturn to acquire aircraft and airport slots at favorable rates, contributing to their ability to attract pilots.
U.S. carriers are responding to their pilot crunch by relaxing hiring requirements (e.g., Delta dropping degree mandates) and investing heavily in expanding pilot training facilities to meet future needs.

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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.