The US airline industry, one of the largest in the world, is witnessing a remarkable recovery post-COVID-19, with a significant surge in employment numbers. In a notable shift from the pandemic-induced downturn, airlines across the country have increased their staffing by 8.8% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Overview of Employment Growth in the US Airline Industry
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the US airline industry faced severe job losses, with nearly 90,000 employees being laid off or furloughed. However, the recent data reveals a robust rebound. Between October and November 2023, the industry recorded an increase of 1,809 employees, marking an 8.83% rise from pre-pandemic figures.
The cargo airline sector is also showing promising growth, with a notable increase of 1,333 employees in November 2023. Leading this surge is FedEx, which alone contributed 1,600 new jobs. Despite this positive trend, pilot recruitment has seen a decrease in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Rebuilding the Workforce
The resurgence of the airline industry is evident in its employment statistics. According to a report by CNBC, the full-time workforce in passenger airlines stood at 390,000 in 2020. As per the latest Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) report, as of November 2023, scheduled passenger airlines employed 535,914 individuals, contributing to a total of 814,190 across the entire US airline industry.
United Airlines is leading the way in hiring for scheduled passenger airlines, followed by Southwest and Envoy Air. The industry has experienced 31 consecutive months of job growth since October 2021.
United Airlines: A Leader in Pilot Recruitment
United Airlines remains the top recruiter of pilots for three consecutive years. Despite a general slowdown in pilot hiring in 2023, United continues to set benchmarks in pilot recruitment.
Full-Time Equivalent Employees in the Airline Industry
The BTS calculates Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) employees by combining full-time and half the number of part-time employees. In November 2023, the airline industry saw 115,023 part-time employees and 699,167 full-time workers, totaling 756,679 FTEs. This figure represents a 9.81% increase compared to November 2019.
In the scheduled passenger airline sector, there were 509,135 FTEs in November 2023, a 0.1% increase from October, and a 12.53% rise compared to November 2019. The cargo sector also showed growth, employing 242,954 FTEs, a 0.28% increase from the previous month and a 4.55% rise from pre-pandemic levels.
Trends in Flight Crew Hiring
While overall hiring remains strong, pilot recruitment has declined by 6.2% in 2023, though it is still the second-highest year for pilot hiring. Major airlines, including Delta Air Lines, are planning to scale back on pilot recruitment in 2024.
This employment surge in the US airline industry highlights its resilience and growth potential, offering promising prospects for job seekers and a robust recovery from the pandemic’s impact.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnbc.com
