Pilot Supply at the Regional Airlines: Airline Response to the Changing Environment and the Impact on Pilot Hiring

Abstract

Verbatim from Embry-Riddle Scholarly Commons. Not paraphrased, not summarized.

Regional airlines facing pilot supply challenges have responded to the rapidly changing environment by increasing pay, adjusting lifestyle factors, and enhancing career pathway opportunities. The purpose of this research is to provide a current view of the status of airline hiring at regional airlines, given the changes in pay and other factors, and to explore the impact of increased pay on the airlines ability to meet hiring goals. Data for analysis was collected through interviews of pilot recruiting personnel from the 10 largest regional airlines. Preliminary results reveal that regional airlines are meeting hiring goals but airlines remain significantly challenged to meet those goals. Increased pay has enhanced hiring and airlines have made efforts to improve pilot lifestyle and create opportunities for career pathways to the majors. While these efforts are currently allowing the airlines to meet hiring goals, concern remains that this may be a short-term fix. Concerns were raised over the long-term problem of building the pipeline of those pursuing a professional pilot career. Concerns expressed in this area include training costs, the need for an alternative pathway to the right seat, efforts to get the word out to potential pilots regarding career opportunities and benefits, etc. This research will contribute to the discussion of the role of pay as it relates to pilot supply, provide a current snapshot of regional airline hiring, and present, from the perspective of regional airline recruiters, the short term and long term issues related to the pilot supply problems.

Author

• Lutte, Becky Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• pilot shortage
• regional airline pilot hiring
• Restricted ATP
• Pilot compensation
• Aviation Safety and Security
• Management and Operations