US Airline Reaches 50 Pilot Hires by September 2026 and Advances 18 First Officers to Upgrade

Texas, USA – Avelo Airlines has reported hiring 50 pilots in 2026, with its July new-hire class progressing into Initial Operating Experience (IOE), its August class moving toward simulator training and its October class now full. The airline is recruiting for a November class while simultaneously advancing 18 First Officers into captain upgrade training, supporting flight-deck staffing as its network and base structure expand.

• Avelo Vice President Flight Operations Scott Hall provided the following September 2026 training and hiring update:
  • 50 pilots hired so far in 2026.
  • July 2026 new-hire class entering IOE.
  • August 2026 new-hire class progressing to simulator training.
  • October 2026 new-hire class full.
  • Recruitment underway for a November 2026 class.
  • 18 First Officers scheduled to enter captain upgrade training during September.
• Avelo’s published pilot training information states that new-hire training is conducted at Avenger Flight Group’s Dallas Training Center. Pilots receive company-provided accommodation and travel during training before progressing through Boeing 737 qualification and IOE.
• The airline’s current pilot recruitment requirements include unrestricted ATP holders, Military R-ATP candidates and selected non-military R-ATP applicants meeting applicable FAA experience thresholds. Heavy-jet or Boeing experience and a Boeing 737 type rating are preferred but not mandatory.
• The training activity coincides with Avelo’s planned opening of its McKinney National Airport (DTX) base on November 11, 2026. The airline plans to base two Boeing 737NG aircraft at McKinney and create more than 100 local jobs, with service initially covering five destinations in Florida and Nevada.
• Avelo currently reports a fleet of 16 Boeing Next Generation 737 aircraft. The carrier has also ordered 50 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft with purchase rights for another 50, with its latest corporate material indicating that E195-E2 operations are planned to begin in 2028.
• AFM previously reported in August 2026 that Avelo had welcomed a 20-pilot new-hire class and planned another 20-pilot intake during August, with additional classes scheduled through the remainder of the year.

Source: Scott Hall (Avelo Airlines)