Airline Pilot Hiring Shows Signs of Renewed Momentum Heading Into 2026

January 22, 2026 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1769112030250-2120

Industry Sees Shift in Pilot Hiring Cycle as Airlines Expand Training Capacity

Airline pilot hiring shows signs of renewed momentum heading into 2026, according to data from ATP and Aero Crew Solutions. Major airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines ramped hiring to maximum capacity late in 2025, with plans to continue into 2026. The trend aligns with Boeing’s forecast that global commercial aviation will require about 660,000 new pilots over the next 20 years.

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Key Takeaways

Pilot hiring surged during and immediately after the COVID-19 recovery.
Hiring fell back in 2024 and early 2025 due to airline imbalances.
Data shows renewed momentum heading into 2026.
Major airlines hired 17% more pilots in 2025 compared to the prior year.

American Airlines United Airlines Boeing

Strategic Implications

This data suggests that pilot hiring is regaining momentum, driven by airlines expanding training capacity and restarting new-hire classes. The trend may indicate a shift towards a more measured but still active phase of hiring, with demand for new pilots rebuilding rather than contracting.