Current 2026 Airline Pilot Hiring Announcements
Commercial airlines show strong pilot hiring in 2026. Pilots training and building their hours now will be among the most competitive with the “largest gap between supply and demand estimated to occur in 2026, with a shortfall of 24,000 pilots” according to consulting firm Oliver Wyman, adding that they expect “the pilot shortage to continue well into the decade”.
Aero Crew Solutions reported that "it is extremely difficult to be hired by a regional airline without being part of a cadet program. If you are currently in pilot training and have not yet applied to one, we strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible, ideally to multiple programs." ATP has cadet programs and partnerships with every regional airline, giving graduates the competitive edge in today's hiring environment.
Stay up-to-date on pilot hiring announcements and what's going on with ATP's insider look at the airline pilot job market.
Latest News:
American Airlines has placed over 110 ATP graduates with the airline year-to-date. With additional retirements expected in 2027, American's continued hiring needs are expected to provide further opportunities for our graduates.
Source: ATP Flight School
Updated: Sep 2, 2026
Latest News:
United plans to hire 900 pilots for the remainder of 2026, bringing them to a total of 1,500 pilots this year to account for record growth and retirements, with plans to hire close to 1,500 pilots in the years to come.
Source: OBAP Industry Briefing 2026
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Latest News:
Delta plans to hire 2,000 pilots by the end of 2026 and will continue with robust hiring through Q1 2027 as they staff for aircraft deliveries and planned retirements.
Source: OBAP Industry Briefing 2026
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Latest News:
FedEx plans to hire approximately 800 pilots in 2026, with new-hire classes scheduled to begin in July, according to internal fleet planning documents.
Source: Spitfire Elite
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Latest News:
Alaska recently placed an order for over 130 aircraft and they plan to continue hiring later in 2026 to fill the flight decks as those aircraft are delivered.
Source: WAI Industry Briefing 2026
Updated: Mar 23, 2026
Latest News:
Southwest has announced plans to hire approximately 872 pilots, and upgrade 662 pilots, in 2026. These hiring plans are a strong indicator the airline is continuing to expand its operations and position itself for future growth.
Source: Aero Crew News
Updated: Jan 12, 2026
