Shrinking Routes, Shortage of Pilots, Things Are Not Rosy for Regional Service

The RAA's annual report was published last week, and this time around the org seems intent to get some eyes on it. 

Unlike reports of yore, the report makes frequent reference to the "community air service crisis", noting with increasing worry the number of shrinking regional air routes and empty pilot seats throughout the country.

"It’s a thorough look, and frankly, a hard look at a story of declining connectivity for American communities and people who rely on regional air service," said the RAA's notice."As regionals lost market share, the number of communities relying exclusively on regional airlines for air service jumped. We now view this data through the lens of 2022, where we know the disconnection of smaller downtowns and rural communities has only worsened."

As air service has receded throughout the country, Regional airlines have tried to stem the pilot shortage with a number of pot-sweeteners like increased compensation, tuition assistance, and cadet programs. "Yet," the RAA notes, "the pilot shortage and the associated Captain shortage have only worsened, and now threaten small community air service in a fundamental way."

"If policymakers fail to do their job, and do not give the pilot shortage the urgent attention it warrants, small community air service will be a thing of the past, and air travel will soon be a privilege reserved for those residing in our urban centers...We must hold our policymakers accountable for the air service collapse that is unfolding on their watch."

FMI: www.raa.org