Originally Posted by
AirBear
For those entering the industry via the regional airlines. There are some big changes coming. I've seen some well researched numbers on pilot hiring in 2022. Here's what is estimated:
For all the B737/A320 and larger size aircraft operators: Estimated number of pilots needed AFTER allowing for military, Part 135, and Corporate: 9,000
Total number of Regional Airline Pilots: 20,000
Something has to give. Either Regional Airlines will have to consolidate, or be folded into mainline (not going to happen quickly if at all), or mainline will have to curtail hiring plans and as a result cut back schedules. As some on this thread have already stated, with insufficient pilots the 50 seaters will probably windup on the used airliners lot. RJ Captains will especially be in short supply. This is why Airline Exec's are crying about the 1500 hour rule. That's shortsighted because lowering that will cannibalize many CFI's and then who's left to teach new pilots?
Our class had meeting with ALPA guys yesterday (first meeting during ground) and man.. those guys were absolutely pumped! - not sure if that's their usual state or not lol
They said the numbers are looking very good and pilots have such a good leveraging position right now.
Maybe we can expect the regional model to disappear entirely over the next five years of so they said?
Made me wonder... if it is better to be in a wholly owned like EDV or a giant standalone like Skywest in this environment.
Hopefully good things come!