AIR Reports Pilot Hiring Up

Airlines nearly doubled their hiring between August and September, according to AIR, Inc, which said its reporting airlines hired a total of 429 pilots in September, approximately 99 percent more pilots than the previous month. Even so, the organization expects furloughed and laid off pilots to increase by year end. There are currently 3,937 pilots on furlough and 1,903 pilots who have been laid-off. AIR, Inc noted that 85 pilots were laid off as a result of the cessation of DayJet operations on September 19.
Non-jets hired the most with 109, followed by the Nationals, which include regionals, with 85. The Jet Operators, also including regionals, put 60 new pilots into their flight decks and the Majors hired 85. Other airlines added an additional 121.
Sixty-three out of 178 (36 percent) of the airlines that report to AIR, Inc. are still hiring pilots but Southwest is the only major airline that is still interviewing and hiring pilots. Seven national airlines, jet operators and regional carriers are still hiring. The crew leasing and foreign sectors are still adding crewmembers to their flight decks monthly.
The Air Transport Association (ATA) said revenues were up in August for the U.S. carriers. Legacy airlines mainline unit revenues rose 7.9 percent and the ATA expects an increase in future months as capacity cuts take effect. Domestic mainline unit revenue was up 4.8 percent from last year and international revenue increased 12.8 percent. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects the global industry to see a $4.1 billion loss in 2009, down only slightly from the $5.2 billion forecast earlier this year. The new projection is based on oil holding at $113 per barrel.
Alaska Airlines announced early September that they will be furloughing up to 190 pilots, or 13 percent of its present pilot workforce. Alaska has not said when the furloughs would begin. For the first time in their 34-year history AirNet, which transports bank checks and documents, said they will be furloughing up to 55 pilots (34 percent) of their crewmembers. AirNet Director of Pilot Recruitment and Development Craig Washka said the furloughs may be temporary and pilots may be recalled as soon as late October or November.