US EditionATP Flight School Shares State of Airline Pilot Hiring and 2026 Outlook
ATP Flight School placed 983 pilots in 2025, outpacing industry growth by 30% amid a 17% hiring rise at major airlines, indicating strong 2026 demand.
- On Jan. 22, 2026, ATP Flight School announced it led the industry with 983 graduates placed in 2025, according to a Jacksonville, Fla. press release.
- Mandatory retirements and travel growth have driven pilot demand, with the National Air Carrier Association estimating more than 16,000 retirements over five years; American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines indicated large near-term hiring targets of about 1,500, 2,500, and 600 respectively.
- Data show ATP's share grew, with 983 graduates placed in 2025 and placements outpacing the prior year by 30%, accounting for one in four regional hires.
- ATP expanded alumni support with free CFI certificate renewal, interview prep, and sponsorship to seven conferences, as pilot demand signals strong growth into 2026.
- Pilot hiring grew into the fourth quarter of 2025, signaling strong demand for qualified pilots in 2026, but ATP Flight School cautioned projections remain subject to change amid competition noted by Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook.
17 Articles
17 Articles
The Courier-Tribune
ATP Flight School Shares State of Airline Pilot Hiring and 2026 Outlook
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ATP Flight School led the industry in graduate airline placements in 2025, with 983 graduates placed at regional and major airlines, as well as corporate operators. American Airlines hired the most ATP graduates…
ATP Flight School Predicts Big Year for Pilot Hiring
ATP Flight School expects pilot hiring to continue growing in 2026 after accelerated activity in the fourth quarter of 2025. According to a news release from the largest pilot training institute in the U.S., American Airlines and United Airlines increased their hiring to a combined 500 pilots per month at the end of 2025. These numbers are anticipated to continue into the first quarter of 2026. At the most recent Rotary to Airline Group (RTAG) c…
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