ATP Flight School expects pilot hiring to continue growing in 2026 after accelerated activity in the fourth quarter of 2025.
According to a news release from the largest pilot training institute in the U.S., American Airlines and United Airlines increased their hiring to a combined 500 pilots per month at the end of 2025. These numbers are anticipated to continue into the first quarter of 2026.
At the most recent Rotary to Airline Group (RTAG) conference, major airlines shared bullish outlooks for 2026. American Airlines indicated hiring targets of approximately 1,500 pilots, United Airlines discussed hiring levels approaching 2,500 pilots, and Delta Air Lines cited plans to hire about 600 pilots in the first quarter alone.
Mandatory retirements continue to drive demand, with estimates from the National Air Carrier Association showing more than 16,000 retirements over the next five years and a cumulative shortage of 28,126 pilots by 2030.
The Boeing pilot and technician outlook for 2025-2044 also highlights that competition for qualified pilots will remain strong and demand is likely to soar as global air travel expands.
2025 in Review
In 2025, ATP Flight School placed 983 graduates at airlines and corporate operators. Hiring at legacy and major airlines increased by 17 percent compared to the previous year, with American Airlines hiring the most ATP graduates among major carriers.
ATP’s Charlotte, North Carolina, location also partnered with the American Airlines Cadet Academy last March to create more networking opportunities between the airline and prospective pilots.
At the regional level, one out of every four pilot new hires in 2025 was an ATP graduate, with SkyWest Airlines recruiting the most.
