Starting pilot training now will place aspiring pilots in a strong position for future airline hiring demand. Across the US aviation industry, fleet expansion and pilot retirements are expected to increase the need for qualified pilots over the next several years.
For students considering an airline pilot career, understanding these long-term industry trends can help with decisions on your training timeline.
Why pilot training demand is expected to grow
After record hiring levels in 2022 and 2023, airline recruitment slowed in 2024 as the industry stabilized following the post-pandemic surge. However, demand for airline pilots remains strong.
Historically, periods of reduced hiring activity have provided aspiring pilots with an opportunity to focus on training, gaining experience and building flight hours ahead of future recruitment cycles.
As professional pilot training can take several years, many students who begin training during slower hiring periods can be well positioned when airline recruitment accelerates again.
US airlines continue to place major aircraft orders, with large numbers of new aircraft expected to enter service over the next few years. As fleets expand, airlines will need additional pilots to support both domestic and international operations.
The industry is also preparing for a significant wave of retirements. Analysis from Oliver Wyman projects North America could face a pilot shortage peak around 2026, with an estimated shortfall of approximately 24,000 pilots. Forecasts from the Future and Active Pilots Alliance (FAPA) also show retirements continuing to rise through 2026 and 2027.
Together, these trends are expected to drive another period of increased airline hiring.
Why starting pilot training now matters
Professional pilot training takes time. Between earning licenses, building flight hours, and preparing for airline eligibility, the process can take several years.
For students beginning flight training now, the timeline aligns closely with the period many analysts expect pilot hiring demand to strengthen again. Starting earlier also gives students more time to build experience in a structured training environment and progress steadily towards airline requirements. This is especially important in the US, where most pilots work towards the 1,500 flight hours required for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
Long-term demand for airline pilots
Beyond current hiring cycles, industry forecasts continue to point towards long-term demand for qualified pilots.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects around 18,200 airline and commercial pilot openings each year over the next decade. Boeing’s long-term forecast also estimates North America will require around 120,000 new pilots over the next 20 years.
While hiring activity naturally changes over time, the long-term outlook for airline pilot careers remains positive.
Choosing a flight training school
Choosing the right flight training school is an important step in preparing for a professional aviation career. Structured pilot training, experienced instructors, and clear progression pathways all help students prepare for airline operations.
At Skyborne, pilot training is designed to support students from initial certification through to airline readiness, including advanced programs such as ATP Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) preparation and airline-focused career pathways.
Training is supported by more than 100 experienced flight instructors and a global student community across bases in the US and UK. With 95% of Skyborne graduates progressing into roles with global airlines, the focus remains on preparing pilots for the standards and expectations of commercial aviation.
Learn more about pilot training at Skyborne.
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