American Airlines to recruit 1500 pilots over next five years

American Airlines announced (30-Sep-2013) it is beginning the process to recruit and hire approximately 1500 new pilots over the next five years, the carrier's largest pilot hiring in more than a decade. The first new-hire class is expected to begin training this winter, with the carrier anticipating the need to hire 45 to 50 pilots per month through at least summer 2014. American plans to hire an "appropriate balance" of pilots from subsidiary American Eagle Airlines as well as external sources. The recruitment drive is a result of fleet renewal, international expansion, projected pilot retirements and the FAA's new rest and duty time rules. American Airline VP flight John Hale said: "We're providing our current pilots with the strongest career advancement and growth opportunities in more than a decade, while continuing to build a premier airline and world-class employer they can be proud to fly for throughout their careers. American takes great pride in the exceptional quality of our pilots, and we're excited to continue building our team through this selective hiring and recruitment process." [more - original PR]