USA — ATP Flight School, the largest flight training provider in the United States, has reported industry-leading airline placement results for 2025, reflecting renewed momentum in pilot hiring across major and regional carriers and reinforcing the role of structured, airline-aligned training pathways.

• In 2025, ATP placed 983 graduates with regional and major airlines as well as corporate operators, the highest total among U.S. flight training providers.

• American Airlines hired the largest number of ATP graduates among major carriers, while SkyWest Airlines recruited the most ATP graduates of any regional airline.

• Pilot hiring at legacy and major airlines increased 17% year-on-year in 2025, with hiring activity accelerating sharply in the fourth quarter following earlier moderation linked to aircraft delivery delays.

• ATP’s legacy and major airline placements increased 30% year-on-year, outperforming overall industry hiring growth.

• At the regional airline level, one in four new-hire pilots in 2025 graduated from ATP, with placements typically occurring around three years after training commencement.

• Looking ahead, airline hiring trends point to sustained demand in 2026, with American and United operating weekly new-hire classes totalling approximately 500 pilots per month, according to Aero Crew Solutions.

• At the most recent RTAG Conference:

  • American Airlines indicated hiring targets of approximately 1,500 pilots

  • United Airlines discussed near-record hiring levels approaching 2,500 pilots

  • Delta Air Lines cited strong near-term demand, including plans to hire around 600 pilots in Q1 alone

• Long-term demand remains underpinned by retirements. Estimates compiled by the National Air Carrier Association indicate more than 16,000 pilot retirements over the next five years, with a cumulative shortfall of 28,126 pilots by 2030.

• Boeing’s Pilot and Technician Outlook 2025–2044 reinforces the outlook, noting that “competition for qualified pilots will remain strong” as global air travel continues to expand.

• In parallel, ATP continued expanding airline partnerships in 2025 and invested further in alumni career progression through its no-cost Alumni Association, offering:

  • Free CFI certificate renewal

  • Free and discounted airline interview preparation

  • Sponsorship to seven industry networking conferences

  • Quarterly scholarships for free type rating and ATP-CTP training

• In 2026, ATP plans to double alumni sponsorship for industry events and host an exclusive alumni career expo in partnership with regional and major airline customers.

Source: ATP Flight School
Photo Credit: ATP Flight School