United Airlines to Hire New Pilots for the First Time Since 2001
United Airlines announced plans to begin hiring pilots later
this year, the first time it has done so since 2001, to accommodate its schedule,
including an increase in the number of international destinations it serves.
United plans to begin accepting applications for new flight officer positions later this northern summer. After participating in United's industry-leading training program, new pilots are expected to begin flying for the airline as early as December this year.
United expects to hire and train up to 100 pilots by the end of the year depending on changes to the mandatory pilot retirement age currently being considered by Congress. The new pilots will be in addition to the pilots that United will recall this year as it completes the recall of those who have been on furlough.
United has developed a new online hiring process which includes an online application screening followed by in-person interviews.
Sean Donohue, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations and Onboard, stated: "This is good news for our pilots, our employees, our customers and our investors," said Service. [It] enables us to ensure the highest level of service for our customers, while maintaining an efficient, flexible schedule."