Delta Airlines Predicts ‘Normalized’ Pilot Hiring in 2025, Aiming for 5,000 New Positions

After a significant reduction in pilot hiring this year, Delta Air Lines is forecasting a return to a more stable recruitment pace in 2025.

The airline had cut its pilot hiring figures by roughly 50% in 2024 but expects a “more normalized” tempo next year. This shift comes after a period where most major U.S. carriers ramped up hiring post-pandemic, only to scale back as the demand stabilized.

During a third-quarter earnings call, Delta’s leadership shared that they aim to restore their regional capacity to pre-pandemic levels by summer 2025, driven by improvements in pilot supply. This outlook suggests a brighter future for aspiring pilots as the industry looks to rebound from recent cuts.

Current Hiring Trends

According to data from the Future and Active Pilot Advisors (FAPA), Delta has hired 870 pilots so far in 2024. This marks a significant reduction of over 50% compared to the same period last year, highlighting the airline’s conservative approach to hiring during a period of adjustment. In January, Delta had forecasted hiring around 1,000 pilots for the year, indicating that current figures are just shy of their original goal.

Delta’s hiring trends mirror a broader industry shift. Major U.S. carriers collectively reported a roughly 40% reduction in hiring numbers overall. After a surge in recruitment following the pandemic, airlines have now moderated their pace, aligning hiring efforts with current operational needs and future growth plans.

With improved pilot availability, Delta is optimistic about its future hiring strategy, aiming to meet the demand for around 5,000 new pilot positions across the U.S. in 2025.

This return to a more balanced hiring approach is expected to boost the airline’s regional and mainline operations, helping them reach pre-pandemic capacity targets by the middle of next year. As Delta and other carriers stabilize their recruitment strategies, the industry seems set for a period of steady growth.