AirlineCrewSolutions.com compiled current pilot positions at major airlines, regional airlines, and low-cost airlines in the United States, plus tips for your job search. Find an excerpt here:
PILOT HIRING GAINS MOMENTUM
Despite recent economic uncertainty, the pilot hiring market is starting to show signs of life once again. It was recently announced that American will continue pilot classes in late August and that their first few classes will be primarily composed of pilots who will flow from their wholly owned airlines. American plans to hire another 600-800 pilots in 2025.
Alaska and Hawaiian are also starting pilot hiring as they continue to work toward merging their pilot groups. After August 1, you will be able to apply to the joint airline and choose which seniority list you want to be placed on if you are hired (a potentially significant career decision).
While unconfirmed, rumors are circulating that United is gearing up to significantly increase their hiring starting in early 2026. United continues to hold new-hire classes regularly, however they are well below their hiring pace of 2022-2023. As soon as this information is confirmed, we will have updates on our social media pages.
Airplane deliveries seem to be on pace for a more consistent schedule while retirements continue to occur at high rates for some carriers. These factors lead to the perfect environment for consistent hiring at the majors. As the majors increase hiring, the regional airlines will follow suit as their attrition increases. Major airline hiring doesn't just affect those who are hired as it creates movement throughout the entire industry benefitting all pilots.
NETWORKING IN AVIATION
A common saying in the aviation industry is, "It's not what you know, but who you know." There are tens of thousands of ATP-rated pilots yet only so many airline jobs. We are all licensed to fly airplanes yet being hired at that next level can sometimes seem more like a popularity contest. So, what are these pilots doing to be hired more quickly than others? The simple answer—networking.
Networking is crucial in any professional field, and aviation isn't any different. While it is possible to be hired at an airline without networking, your chances of getting an interview faster increase dramatically with internal referrals. So, what are some steps you can take to network efficiently?
· Attend job fairs (even as a CFI).
· Join pilot organizations (NGPA, WAI, RTAG, etc.).
· Find a mentor from organizations such as Professional Pilots of Tomorrow.
· Build an online professional profile.
When you are networking, BE GENUINE and not transactional. You never know who you are talking to or what you too might bring to the relationship.
THE POWER OF LINKEDIN
LinkedIn has become an essential tool that anyone seeking a job can use to network for free. Setting up a professional profile is quick, easy, and FREE. All you have to do is complete information about your professional history, such as where you went to school, prior and current jobs, etc. Make sure your profile picture is one that you would want your future employer to see—first impressions are important.
And then do start connecting with others!
For pilots seeking jobs, it has never been easier to connect directly with airline recruiters. A simple search on LinkedIn and you can find the recruiters from your desired airline(s) and read any updates they post about airline hiring and events. Like and comment on these posts. Interact with each recruiter in a positive way that might bring attention to your profile. Additionally, to attract attention, you can message the recruiters with any questions. Well-timed, succinct conversations might be what brings you the call.
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