Analysis of the Airline Pilot Shortage

Abstract

The pilot shortage in the United States currently affects airlines and pilots drastically. The airlines have been forced to implement new solutions to recruit and retain pilots. These solutions include dramatic pay raises and cadet programs. One of the most significant causes of the pilot shortage is the aviation industry’s rapid growth. Other factors include the aging pilot popula-tion and high flight training costs. In addition, regional airlines, a major source of pilots for major airlines, have a historically low pay rate, which deters pilots from wanting to work for them. This situation is compounded by a lack of hiring in the 2000s for various reasons. The effects of the pilot shortage include decreased flights, loss of revenue, and closing of some re-gional airlines. Airlines have implemented various solutions aimed at increasing the number of pilots. These include an increased pay rate, job pathway programs through universities, and guaranteed interviews or jobs. The solutions proposed will likely prove their effectiveness in minimizing the pilot shortage over the next decade.

Note: This research was correct prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected the airline industry.