The math, from Cheddar’s numbers, above -

Using DAL 16.68 pilots per plane and AA 951 planes:

16.68 x 951 = 15,863 Pilots needed.

14,599 pilots today

15,863 - 14,599 = 1,264 Pilots needed to hire
in addition to increasing retirements/early outs/growth.

Hiring plans for this year are 900 (or 930). Mandatory retirement is 528. Doesn’t sound like much of this year’s hires is to improve, mostly hold the current pilots/plane.

Mandatory retirement ramps up to 957 in just a few years. And the Schoolhouse is maxed out today. Sounds like a big expansion is needed.

As the Chinese expression goes, ‘May you live in interesting times.’ And for the first time in decades, pilots are going to be in the driver’s seat (no pun intended).