After a pronounced slowdown in 2024 and early 2025, airline pilot hiring is picking up momentum heading into 2026. Data from flight training providers, recruiting firms, and industry forecasters all point to a renewed hiring cycle — particularly at major carriers in both the US and Europe.
The Numbers
Consulting firm Oliver Wyman estimates the largest gap between pilot supply and demand will occur in 2026, with a shortfall of approximately 24,000 pilots globally. CAE, one of the world's largest pilot training companies, has warned that airlines in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East continue to face challenges rebuilding crew numbers thinned during the pandemic. Over the coming decade, roughly 300,000 new pilots will be needed worldwide.
In the US, American Airlines has indicated plans to hire approximately 1,500 pilots in 2026. United Airlines discussed near-record hiring levels approaching 2,500 pilots, while Delta Air Lines reported plans to hire around 600 pilots in Q1 alone. According to Aero Crew Solutions, both American and United ran weekly new-hire classes totalling over 500 pilots per month combined through late 2025.
European Landscape
In Europe, the hiring picture is equally active. Wizz Air, Aer Lingus, SAS, airBaltic, and Enter Air all have open recruitment campaigns for A320 and B737 crew. Ryanair and Lufthansa have both raised pay scales in response to increasing competition for experienced pilots. easyJet is expanding operations in Lisbon, Manchester, and Milan with plans for new route networks.
The salary dynamic has shifted notably. For the first time in a decade, airlines are competing on lifestyle and base flexibility in addition to pay. Sign-on bonuses, improved rosters, and guaranteed days off are becoming standard recruitment tools across Europe's low-cost and flag carrier segments.
What Changed
The post-COVID hiring surge of 2022–2023 left airlines with an imbalance: too many first officers, not enough captains. Airlines slowed external hiring while upgrading pilots internally and managing aircraft delivery delays. That transition period now appears to be ending. When a major airline hires a regional captain, the regional must upgrade another pilot, which opens first officer positions downstream — creating a cascade effect throughout the industry.
Aircraft delivery delays — particularly from engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney — have also played a role. As delivery schedules normalise, airlines need crew to fly the new aircraft, adding further pressure to the hiring pipeline.
What This Means for Cadets and Low-Hours Pilots
For pilots currently in training or building hours, the outlook is cautiously optimistic. Industry recruiters advise joining cadet programmes as early as possible — multiple airline partnerships can significantly improve placement odds. Pilots who will complete training in 2026–2027 are well-positioned to enter the market during what many expect to be the peak of the current hiring wave.
For experienced pilots considering a move between airlines, 2026 offers unusually strong leverage. Multiple airlines competing for the same talent pool means better terms, more base choices, and improved career progression. The balance of power has shifted back toward the flight crew.
