Air Inc. Releases January '04 Summary

It looks like 2004 is getting off to a great start for airline pilot hiring. Air Inc., the pilot recruiting company just released its January Hiring Summary and the numbers are promising. THe company claims, "Not since November 2002 have carriers reported hiring numbers this high." Air Inc. says national carriers lead the way by hiring 266 pilots in January.

The summary indicates that Jet Operator and Non-jet Operator divisions hired 111 and 98 respectfully. The Majors are hiring once again, taking on 67 additional pilots last month. For the most part, the furlough numbers continued to decline, dropping 2.45 percent from 9,905 on furlough in December to 9668 last month. The National sector rose slightly, up 7.27 percent, from 578 to 620. The Non-jet Operators reported only 43 pilots on furlough and pilots within the Major sector fell 2.85 percent from 9,105 to 8,919. Airlines reporting to AIR, Inc. forecast approximately 4,300 new pilot jobs in the next 12 months and there's not doubt the hiring numbers in January support this! AIR, Inc. forecasts between 6,500 - 7,000 new pilots jobs for 2004!

The four Major cargo carriers came out of hibernation last month. FedEx, ABX (formerly Airborne Express), United Parcel Service (UPS), and ASTAR all reported hiring possibilities for the coming year. FedEx, though not hiring in 2004, announced they are once again accepting resume updates online. Although ABX currently has 32 pilots on furlough, they  are accepting resumes. UPS offered words of encouragement to pilots attending the DFW AIR, Inc. Job Fair in January by telling the hopeful attendees to "stay current and get ready." Astar reported to AIR, Inc. that they will be interviewing pilots in February for 6 six positions and may hire an additional 10 pilots in the near future. It looks like the silent era of the cargo carriers is over!

The Los Angeles AIR, Inc. Airline Pilot Career Job Fair/Seminar will be held April 23-25 at the LAX Airport Marriott Hotel. Many airlines have been invited to attend and as of February 10, America West, American Eagle, AirNet, JetBlue, and Tab Express have accepted. AIR, Inc. expects at least 15 airlines to attend.

FMI:  www.jet-jobs.com