Leaders.com
  • Business
  • Leadership
  • Wealth
  • Master Classes
  • Business
    • Entrepreneurs
    • Executives
    • Marketing and Sales
    • Social Media
    • Innovation
    • Women in Business
  • Leadership
    • Personal Growth
    • Company Culture
    • Public Speaking
    • Productivity
    • Hiring
    • Social Issues
    • Leaders
  • Wealth
    • Investing
    • Cryptocurrency
    • Retirement
    • Venture Capital
    • Loans and Borrowing
    • Taxes
    • Markets
    • Real Estate
  • Master Classes
Productivity pilot shortage

Airlines are struggling to find enough pilots to staff regional carriers, reducing the flights available for customers.(Photo by GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)

By Hannah Bryan Leaders Staff

Hannah Bryan

Hannah Bryan

News Writer

Hannah Bryan is a news writer for Leaders Media. Most recently she was a reporter for the Sanilac County News...

Full bio


Learn about our editorial policy

Apr 28, 2023

The Next Problem Facing Airlines

U.S. airlines have a growing problem—more pilots are retiring than new ones are entering the workforce.

Key Details

  • Airlines have already been struggling to retain enough pilots to meet the demand for flights, but new reports find that a wave of retirements could exacerbate the problem. 
  • Without enough pilots, travelers will have fewer flight options and may even see flight prices increase as airlines try to curb demand, Travel Noire reports. 
  • Pilots have a mandatory retirement age of 65. More than half of the current pilots will hit that age in the next 15 years.
  • Not enough young pilots are entering the industry to compensate for the retired ones. 

Why it’s news

Since the pandemic, airlines have been rapidly losing their crew members. Airline service is declining in at least 42 states that now have fewer flights than before the pandemic. Airports are suffering, too—as 136 locations report losing at least a quarter of their service. Around 500 planes owned by regional airlines have no pilots, according to Regional Airline Association (RAA) CEO Faye Malarkey Black. 

The pilot shortage affects the whole nation, not just a specific region. Many airlines have still not returned to the level of service they experienced before the pandemic. That is not for lack of customers—many now find themselves with more customers than they have seats available.

RAA’s Black warned that a significant pilot shortage is on the way. He told CNN that the deficit is caused by poor pay and quality of life conditions. 

The RAA represents regional airlines, but big airlines like America, Delta, and United are suffering from shortages, too. However, these larger airlines can hire pilots away from regional carriers more easily. This poses a problem for passengers in smaller cities where regional airports are the only way to catch a flight. 

Larger airlines hired around 13,000 pilots in 2022, Black says. They recruited these workers from smaller carriers. Another 9,500 pilots earned their license last year—more than in years past—but even the increased number is insufficient to keep up with demand. 

The high cost of pilot training often deters new hires. When including the cost of a bachelor’s degree, new pilots can cost around $200,000. These pilots-in-training have less access to government assistance that could offset their costs. 

While the big airlines may be able to afford to pay pilots more, smaller regional carriers will struggle to match that level of pay.

Home / News / The Next Problem Facing Airlines
Share
FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn

Related Stories

Seattle Takes The Crown For Advanced Tech Talent

by PJ Howland Leaders Staff
Tech

Oct 24, 2023

Seattle tech talent

Seattle has emerged as the metro area with the most advanced tech talent, beating out tech hubs like San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

Key Details

  • According to a new ranking by the Burning Glass Institute, Seattle has the highest proportion of advanced tech workers compared to other cities with similarly sized tech workforces.
  • The ranking evaluated 60 million high-paying, in-demand tech job postings and histories to identify cities with cutting-edge roles like AI and cybersecurity rather than legacy tech positions.
  • With tech giants Amazon and Microsoft headquartered in Seattle, the city edged out the San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, Austin, and Raleigh on the list.
  • The report found that demand for software developers and IT support specialists has declined over the past five years as companies seek more specialized tech talent.

Go deeper

FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn

More Americans Can’t Keep Up With Car Payments

by Colin Baker Leaders Staff
Loans and Borrowing

Oct 23, 2023

car loans, used cars

A record number of Americans are behind on their car loan payments as higher interest rates and prices weigh on consumers.

Key Details

  • According to data from Fitch Ratings, 6.11% of car loans were at least 60 days delinquent in September, the highest since tracking began in the early 2000s.
  • Some interest rates on used cars can rise to as much as 21%, according to Bankrate.
  • Soaring prices and rising interest rates are squeezing consumers, making it difficult for some to keep up with their auto loans.

Go deeper

FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn

Chevron Makes $53 Billion Deal Amid Surging Gas Prices

by PJ Howland Leaders Staff
Markets

Oct 23, 2023

Chevron Gas Deal

Chevron is acquiring Hess Corp. for $53 billion, the second significant oil producer acquisition this month as crude prices climb.

Key Details

  • Chevron is purchasing Hess in an all-cash deal worth $53 billion, including debt and preferred stock redemption.
  • This comes just weeks after ExxonMobil announced its $59.5 billion purchase of Pioneer Natural Resources.
  • With oil over $80 per barrel, major producers are using their windfall profits to acquire smaller players and boost payouts to shareholders.
  • Chevron expects the deal to close in H1 2023 pending regulatory approvals and Hess shareholder vote.
  • Hess CEO John Hess will join Chevron's board once the acquisition is complete.

Go deeper

FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn
nike logo
Company Culture

Oct 20, 2023

Nike to Require More In-Office Days From Employees

by Colin Baker Leaders Staff
blue collar workers
Retirement

Oct 20, 2023

Explaining The ‘C+ Grade’ Retirement Ecosystem in The United States

by PJ Howland Leaders Staff
netflix building
Entertainment

Oct 19, 2023

Netflix Hiking Prices While Adding Millions of Subscribers

by Colin Baker Leaders Staff

Recent Articles

Hiring

Nov 1, 2023

Learn the Winning Answers to the Most Common Phone Interview Questions

Come to your next phone interview fully prepared

Personal Growth

Oct 30, 2023

85 Quotes on Self-Love to Boost Your Self-Esteem

Don’t fall into the trap of harsh self-criticism

Company Culture

Oct 27, 2023

What is a Sabbatical? Your Ticket to Restful Growth and Meaning

Sabbaticals can benefits both employees and businesses

  • Business
  • Leadership
  • Wealth
Join the Leaders Community

Get exclusive tools and resources you need to grow as a leader and scale a purpose-driven business.

Subscribing indicates your consent to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Leaders.com
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Careers
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms
  • Disclosures
  • Editorial Policy
  • Member Login

© 2023 Leaders.com - All rights reserved.

Search Leaders.com