United Airlines has earned the distinction of being the number one US airline for pilot recruitment for three consecutive years. The airline achieved this recognition by hiring a record number of pilots in a single month in October, with 270 new pilots joining its ranks. In the first ten months of 2023, United hired a total of 2,296 new pilots, surpassing its highest-ever yearly hiring total.
United’s pilot recruitment efforts align with its United Next plan, aiming to hire 2,300 pilots in 2023, and the airline is on track to exceed this goal. The carrier’s investments in training and recruitment, including the United Aviate Academy in Arizona and a $100 million expansion and upgrade of its pilot training center in Denver, have contributed to its success.
In addition to hiring pilots, United has expanded its workforce by hiring over 11,000 new employees, including flight attendants, technicians, and customer service staff. The airline is preparing for a significant fleet expansion in the coming years, with plans to add up to 230 new aircraft, including Airbus A321neos.
United’s recruitment efforts have made it the top choice for aspiring pilots, as reflected in data from Future and Active Pilot Advisors (FAPA). The airline’s success in pilot recruitment comes at a time when the aviation industry is experiencing a slowdown in the pilot shortage, with airlines promoting first officers to captain positions more rapidly to address shortages of qualified captains.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, simpleflying.com, AirlineGeeks
