Originally Posted by
SpecialTracking
What are the drivers for hiring 1300 pilots over the next 18 mos when we are retiring only 600?
Rumor(s) only. Take your pick and/or mix-and-match:
1) Retention and refurbishment of entire LUAL 767-300ER fleet and LUAL ETOPS 757s (yes there is such a thing) for Hawaii flying thus enabling redistribution of 737s
2) Potential additional Airbus narrowbody aircraft sourced from the used market (source: UAL CFO during public investor call)
3) UAL is allegedly short pilots in the first place---too few pilots to build the desired schedules during peak periods. Note that UAL has publicly announced that it will massively unbalance block hours between winter and summer despite the need to staff for the peaks.
4) Overall shrinkage of UAX due to economics and inability to fill pilot seats to cover contracted flying