AIR's February '05 Hiring Summary

In numbers just disclosed to ANN, we're pleased to note that is only two months into the new year, and already the airline industry hiring figures have eclipsed last year's by 85, up 6% to 1,420 in 2005 versus 1,335 during the same period in 2004. Overall, the total number of pilots hired dipped slightly from last month, from 764 in January to 657 in February. The Major airlines kept pace with the Nationals, adding 197 and 227 pilots respectfully to their flight decks. The Jet Operator sector employed an additional 57 pilots, down 39 from the same period last month, while the Non-jet division stayed constant, hiring 95 in February, a slight decrease from 111 in January.

The big buzz among pilots is the revised hiring forecast United Parcel Service (UPS) announced this month. Originally scheduled to hire approximately 100 pilots in '05, UPS raised the hiring bar to 300 for the year.

Adding to the excitement, UPS signed a deal with Airbus for 10 A-380s with delivery expected from 2009 through 2012. UPS also decreased its present A300-600 order from 90 to 53. In additional to the new aircraft, UPS is expected to receive 13 A-300s by July 2006.

Continental Airlines' pilots are rejoicing. Not only did the nation's fifth largest carrier announce they would be recalling all furloughed pilots by year's end, a total of 103, but might be adding an additional 200, if continued growth permits.

Northwest Airlines (NWA) backed up their recall announcement last by month (almost 200 in 2005), by signing an aircraft order with Airbus. On January 27, NWA signed a deal for 10 new aircraft. The order includes two new A-330-200s and six A-330-300s. Delivery dates are to be announced. 

AIR, Inc. will hold its 2nd Airline Pilot Job Fair and Seminar of 2005 in Atlanta, GA on April 15-17. AirTran, America West, JetBlue, AirNet, American Eagle, ASA, SkyWest, US Airways subsidiaries Piedmont and PSA, USA Jet, World Airways, Ameriflight, CAE Simuflight, Cathay Pacific, and Tab Express have already signed up.

FMI: www.jet-jobs.com