Federal Mandate Targets Diversity Policies in Aviation Industry

The US Transportation Secretary has issued a new mandate requiring commercial airlines to adopt merit-based hiring for pilots, effectively ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the recruitment process. The move, announced by Secretary Sean Duffy, aims to prioritize safety and qualification over diversity considerations. The Air Line Pilots Association has defended its members, stating that a pilot’s identity has no bearing on their ability to safely operate an aircraft. The development was first reported by AeroTime.