Joining a regional airline: The recruitment process explained

Becoming a regional airline pilot is a guaranteed stepping stone into the aviation industry. Aspiring pilots can leverage hiring trends, understand the needs of regional airlines, and familiarize themselves with hiring practices to discover what they need to secure a job as a pilot for airlines across the industry.

Understanding the 2025 regional airline landscape

In 2024, all major airlines in the U.S. hired more than 4,834 new pilots, which is lower than 2023 as. As such, there is now a pilot shortage leading to increased demand for pilots in 2025 as air travel continues to increase.

At the recent Aero Summit hosted by Stratus Financial in Las Vegas, industry experts projected that more than 500 regional aircraft are being recirculated by regional airlines - a shift expected to create an additional 4,000-6,000 pilot jobs.

While regional airlines may not operate as much across an ever-evolving United States, they are still a key player in the game. FlightGlobal reports there are currently 265 regional jets that are parked, down from over 500 during the height of the pilot shortage, which shows that regional airlines are hiring and getting fleets situated again for successful operation.

Regional carriers serve as essential feeders for the larger airlines. They offer valuable time in the air for rookie pilots and, typically, a career pathway to larger companies. In addition, First Officer positions at these airlines tend to be the most accessible to fresh talent in the field since they operate on more rigid levels with opportunities to hone their skills and accrue hours.

Regional airline minimum requirements

To meet regional airline pilot requirements, you'll need the following:

• Flight hours: You must have an extensive flight history to qualify for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. However, under specific circumstances, you can attain a Restricted ATP (R-ATP) with the following specific flight hours:
  • 1,000 hours with a bachelor's degree in aviation.
  • 1,250 hours if you're an associate degree holder in aviation.
  • 1,250 hours if you're a military pilot.
• Medical certificate: You must provide a first-class medical certificate.
• Licensure: You need an FCC radio telephone operator's permit.
• Language: English must be your first language, or you must be fluent.
• Age minimums: You must be at least 21 years old, pass background checks, and have a valid passport.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for airline pilots was $217,240 as of May 2023. 

Are regional airlines hiring in 2025?

Yes, regional airlines are hiring in 2025. Future & Active Pilot Advisors (FAPA) notes on Airline Geeks that 4,834 pilots were hired by majors in 2024, and regional airlines were responsible for nearly 35% of all pilot hiring.

Moreover, it's projected that more and more pilots will be needed, as the Oliver Wyman report indicates that North America will face a shortage of 13,300 pilots by 2032. Therefore, now is the best time to join a regional airline, making the current hiring efforts great for aspiring pilots.

Excel Accelerated Program at Acron Aviation Academy

Acron Aviation Academy's Excel Accelerated Program enables students to establish a foundation to start as a flight instructor and continue accumulating flight hours toward the required 1500, opening further recruitment opportunities with the academy's regional airline partners.

1. Private Pilot License (PPL): Establish basic flying skills.
2. Instrument Rating (IR): Extends flying capabilities in varying weather conditions.
3. Commercial Single-Engine License (CSEL): Permits single-engine operations as a licensed pilot. 
4. Certified Flight Instructor (CFII): Adds hours as an instructor while operating with new students.
5. Flight Hour Accumulation: Completes all necessary 1,500 hours needed for ATP certification.

Even before graduation, all cadets across any of our programs have access to Acron Aviation's affiliation with regional airlines for interviews and hiring.

Want to work for regional airlines?

The future of aviation is bright, and regional airlines are at the forefront. Acron Aviation Academy provides the training, knowledge, and connections you need to succeed in this growing field.