Analyzing pilot shortage by the numbers

Analyzing the pilot shortage by the numbers & how it affects career outlook

Never before has the aviation industry encountered such a transformational shift when it comes to the demand for new pilots and the shrinking supply of qualified pilots. Due to mandatory retirements, an upturn in travel demand, and expanding commercial airlines, the pilot shortage is redefining what it means to be a part of the industry. 

According to Boeing’s latest Pilot and Technician Outlook report, an estimated 660,000 new pilots will be needed globally over the next 20 years.

In North America alone, 119,000 new pilots are necessary between 2025 and 2044 to keep up with commercial air travel demand.

So, for new or prospective pilots, now is the right time to join the ranks of the aviation industry.

Current state of the pilot shortage in North America

Boeing estimates that 435,000 new commercial airline personnel will be required in the next two decades in North America, including 119,000 new commercial pilots.

Why such increased demand? New airline fleets, increased demand for international travel, and a mature workforce with cutoff retirements have all played their part.

The FAA's 2025-2045 Aerospace Forecast supports this trajectory, showing that the demand for pilots will continue to outpace supply through at least 2034 in North America.

With commercial airlines hiring aggressively and competition for certified flight instructors heating up, there's never been a better opportunity to begin your flight training journey.

Regional airlines significantly impacted by pilot shortage

Within the U.S. commercial aviation industry, regional carriers are particularly impacted by current pilot staffing shortages. The Regional Airlines Association (RAA) has repeatedly highlighted the acute shortage, citing that hundreds of regional aircraft have been grounded and that many smaller U.S. airports have lost a significant percentage of their air service due to a lack of available pilots.

Regional airlines serve as the primary feeder system for the major carriers and connect smaller communities to the national air network, thus acting as the essential training ground for pilots wanting to fly for a major global carrier such as Delta, United and American.

However, the current pace of hiring at major carriers is draining the regional talent pool faster than it can be replenished.

Acron Aviation Academy prepares pilots for regional and major airlines through its pilot pathway programs, which include partnerships with regional carriers like SkyWest Airlines. 

Causes of the national pilot shortage

There are numerous factors that impact the pilot shortage. Below are some key examples:

• Growing demand for air travel: Demand collapsed overnight due to the global pandemic in 2020, but has since not only recovered, but surpassed pre-pandemic numbers for domestic and international air travel.
• Workforce aging: U.S. Federal regulations require that airline pilots retire at 65. Thousands of senior-level captains leave the industry each year as a byproduct, adding to the talent shortage.
• Training pipeline disruption: Flight schools were temporarily closed during COVID-19, and airline training programs were put on hold. This unintended gap is still felt years after operations resumed.
• Highly expensive training programs: The cost of becoming a licensed and trained professional pilot deters hopeful students from pursuing careers in the industry, making entry-level positions more challenging to fill.

These factors create the perfect storm: an increasing desire for international travel at the same time as a shortage of qualified pilots.

Implications of the shortage

The pilot shortage is already shifting the dynamic between pilot and airline in the pilot's favor. For example:

• Increased salary and incentives: Salary across the board is increasing. The median pay for commercial pilots in 2024 was $122,670, with the highest 10% of pilots making more than $239,200 annually according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Faster upgrades: Significant staffing challenges impacting operational capacity and financial performance mean faster upgrades from First Officer to Captain and faster shifts to major carriers.
• Improved quality of life: Due to less pilots, many airlines are implementing improved scheduling, quality of life options, and better benefits just to acquire and retain employees. Delta is a prime example of this, according to Glassdoor.com.

The result for new young pilots entering the field is the possibility of better job prospects, increased starting salaries, and faster career progression.

Career outlook for aspiring pilots

Training to become a pilot is faster than many might think. The time it takes to become a pilot depends on your training program, but through Acron Aviation Academy’s accelerated training program, you can expect to enter the professional world in as little as 12 months.

The need for air travel is predicted to skyrocket within the next decade. According to Boeing, North America’s commercial fleet size will grow by 40% by 2032. Thus, all sectors of aviation will increase, which translates to increased demand and hiring of new pilots.

The bottom line is, all the statistics indicate that now is the best time to learn to fly, offering graduates a bright future with numerous job prospects and a rewarding career.