Originally Posted by
FangsF15
2026 was never mentioned anything close to that high at DL. Not even close.
We haven't hired 2000 in a year since 2023 (and probably won't ever again).
1200 would be a very solid number, as high as any year ever outside the Covid recovery.
If they hire 1,200 with the Max10’s on hold, A35K’s delayed to 27’, future 787’s😛 to go, and 220’s still bottle necked than I’d absolutely bet on 2,000 again when all those supply chain constraints open up or at least close to it. Still have just over 2,500 pilots retiring 2026 through 2030 or 15% of the pilot group (of course doesn’t account for the other forms of attrition). For comparison United has 3,200 retirements over the same footprint.
Throw in managements clear desire to focus growth internationally over the next few years alongside a ton of NB’s I don’t think it’s that crazy to see 1,800-2,000 again. And no, raising the TLV and more GS (sorry IA) only works to a degree.. they will have to hire a lot more. We are plagued by deliveries more-so than UA and AA right now. When the 35K and following 787’s roll in we’ll be chilling
