I should also add, these staffing shortages have nothing to do with a lack of ability to attract pilots. There are plenty of us who have already interviewed with CJOs that have been waiting for 18+ months. Plus thousands lined up behind us hoping for an interview. That’s not even mentioning that AA only has 40-50% of their new hire slots not filled due to flow agreements. Anytime you’re talking to an AA recruiter and not a military pilot near the end of your contract they will probably send you to a wholly owned carrier to flow. The reality is if you want to be at AA that’s probably the best bet as a civilian. Only 10-12% of all new hires are civilians that get hired off the street. Meaning most years you’re competing against 1000s for 80-120 slots. I wrote letters almost every month, updated my app every single day for years. I put in my app after it was professionally reviewed by 2 different companies when I was an FO with less than 300 hours. Wrote a cover letter and sent it out to anyone and everyone who might help me get in. I heard nothing for a couple years until I reached 500 TPIC and got the call. I was extremely fortunate to get the call with that low of time as a pure civilian but it didn’t come with a lack of effort. My main point is AA doesn’t need to look anywhere for pilots and in about 5 years there will be a lot less slots available per year. They are front loading hiring now for the retirements coming up.