Regional airline leaders say pilot shortage has eased, but warn it could return

Executives from US regional airlines reported a reduction in the severity of the pilot shortage following the industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Aggressive hiring by major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, initially placed significant pressure on smaller regional operators. While conditions have improved, these leaders cautioned that another shortage could develop rapidly if recruitment efforts do not continue at an accelerated pace. The executives outlined specific policy changes they believe are crucial to mitigating this risk effectively. They emphasized the need for sustained investment in pilot training programs and strategic workforce planning across the entire airline sector.