USA – aviation data and insights platform, Visual Approach Analytics, has shared their thoughts on the next phase of the chronic pilot shortage, the U.S. airline industry may have weathered the most dramatic hiring wave in its history, but the aftershocks of the acute pilot shortage are far from over. Between late 2021 and mid-2024, pilot hiring surged to levels three times higher than historical norms—driven by COVID-era retirements, reduced hiring in 2020–21, and a sudden demand rebound.

The hiring rollercoaster may have smoothed, but underlying pilot demand continues to rise along a long-term upward trend, underpinned by retirements and fleet growth.

See Visual Approach detailed analysis here.

Source: Visual Analytics