Airline hiring in 5 years?

Question

Does the age 65 rule just push back the pilot shortage 5 years from now? I will graduate college in about 3 years and I wanted to know the hiring picture at that time.

Answer 1

The Outlook does look pretty, good. Most regionals are hiring at a high rate. While the need for pilots is expected to to grow, and actually be high in demand. But recently a number of things may have a impact.

Currently a number of factors are likely slow it down, which some are in the news.

1) Oil Prices, some airlines such as Frontier have said they are considering Furloughing as well as putting around 20 planes aside if oil hits around $110 a barrell.

2) Mergers, Northwest & Delta, also a possible United & Continental/Delta merger is likely. If these do occur a large number of pilots will be furloughed and positions will probably dwindle. This will also impact regional also, I have heard it will make some almost un-needed. Except for those that provide EAS (Essential Air Service)

3)And like you said the new age limit will also have a smaller impact, but will still make a difference.

With all that said, prospects are that if you have around 500 hours when you are ready, you will most likely find a job.

Answer 2

American--has 2000+ pilots still on furlough...not accepting resumes, not hiring pilots.

Delta--started hiring in January 2007, they are still accepting resumes but are not calling to schedule interviews, just announced they are reducing 5% of domestic capacity and offering severance/early retirement to 30,000 employees, not planning pilot furloughs as of now.

US Airways--accepting resumes, very few new hire classes, I have not heard of anyone getting an interview in the last few weeks.

United--accepting resumes, interviewing (for now) parking 25 airplanes most likely 737-300/500 to reduce costs...not planning on pilot furloughs as of now.

NWA--accepting resumes, they have stopped interviewing for the time being, were hiring into a small pool with next classes planned for August-October.  Planning on parking 30+ DC-9's in the next few months.

SWA--accepting resumes, interviewing, however they have offered recently retired pilots the opportunity to come back as a new hire deferring off-the-street new hires from starting classes.

Regionals are hiring pilots, tons of pilots as of now...rumors are that the legacy carriers are going to cut back their regional partners routes and capacity.

Answer 3

Cant say, however airlines are always hiring. So don't worry. Airtran has been hiring since November, Southwest is always hiring, delta is always hiring, united is now hiring, and all the regional are always hiring. Just don't go for American because their starting to cut back on pilots. (that's what i herd)