What Airlines Are Hiring?

For aspiring pilots, one of the most exciting questions after completing flight training is, “Which airlines are hiring right now?” The aviation industry is always evolving, and in 2025, the demand for skilled pilots remains strong. Airlines around the world are actively seeking candidates with the right training, qualifications, and professionalism to fill their flightdecks. If you are considering a career in commercial aviation, understanding how to find job opportunities and how flight school prepares you for the airline hiring process is key.

How to Find Job Opportunities After Flight School

Graduating from flight school is a major accomplishment, but it’s just the beginning of your career path. The next step is learning how to identify and secure opportunities with airlines. Here are some practical ways new pilots find jobs:

• Airline Career Portals: Most airlines post job listings directly on their websites. Pilots can apply online and upload credentials like flight hours, ratings, and certifications.
• Pilot Recruiting Platforms: Websites such as Airline Apps, Pilot Credentials, and Indeed list job postings specifically tailored to pilots. These platforms allow you to create a profile and apply to multiple airlines in one place.
• Networking: Building connections is invaluable in aviation. Talking with instructors, alumni, or fellow pilots often leads to referrals and insider knowledge about upcoming openings.
• Job Fairs and Aviation Events: Many airlines attend recruitment events to meet future candidates face-to-face. These events provide the chance to make a personal impression beyond a resume.
  

Being proactive is key. Airlines seek pilots who not only meet the qualifications but also demonstrate initiative and professionalism in pursuing their careers.

Job Outlook for 2025

The aviation industry has experienced fluctuations in demand over the past few years, but the long-term need for pilots remains steady. According to industry forecasts, the global pilot shortage continues in 2025 as airlines expand routes, replace retiring pilots, and respond to the ongoing growth in air travel.

For aspiring pilots, this creates a favorable job market. Both regional and major airlines are competing for qualified candidates. Regional airlines often serve as a stepping stone, giving new pilots the chance to build hours and experience before transitioning to larger carriers. At the same time, major airlines like Delta, United, American, and Southwest are actively hiring to fill vacancies and maintain operations.

The outlook for 2025 is especially promising for graduates of accredited flight schools, where structured training and advanced instruction prepare candidates to meet hiring standards quickly.

Demand for Pilots by Airline

While demand varies by region, several U.S.-based and international airlines are hiring pilots in 2025.

This broad demand means that pilots entering the market in 2025 will have more options than ever before. Choosing the right path often depends on career goals, lifestyle preferences, and desired routes.

Aviation Events for Networking

Attending aviation events is one of the best ways for new pilots to connect directly with hiring airlines. These events allow students and graduates to meet recruiters, ask questions about career paths, and showcase their passion for aviation.

Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) regularly participates in aviation expos, job fairs, and networking events that bring airlines and future pilots together. These gatherings create valuable opportunities to make a lasting impression. In July 2025, PEA was an exhibitor at Oshkosh 2025,  providing opportunities to meet with aspiring pilots. Plenty of airlines also attend these events, making them great networking opportunities for students to meet recruiters and speak with representatives of airlines hiring across the country. 

For students, participation in these events is more than just networking—it’s a chance to gain insight into what airlines are truly looking for and how to stand out as a candidate.

How Flight School Prepares Pilots for Airline Jobs

Airline recruiters are clear about what they want: well-trained, competent, and professional pilots. That’s why choosing the best flight school is so important.

At Phoenix East Aviation, both international students and U.S. students receive training that goes beyond simply logging hours. PEA emphasizes a structured curriculum that mirrors airline procedures, preparing students for the realities of commercial aviation. This includes:

• Comprehensive Training Programs: Covering everything from single-engine basics to multi-engine and advanced aircraft.
• Technically Advanced Aircraft: Students train in planes with modern avionics, preparing them for today’s cockpit environments.
• Professional Standards: Emphasis on communication, decision-making, and crew resource management—skills that airlines value highly.
• Connections with Airlines: PEA’s presence at aviation events and relationships with carriers create direct hiring pathways for graduates.

By the time students complete their training, they are equipped not only with the technical qualifications but also the professionalism and confidence to succeed in airline interviews and on the job.

In 2025, the aviation industry continues to face a strong demand for skilled pilots, with opportunities available across regional, major, and international airlines. Graduates of accredited flight schools like Phoenix East Aviation are well-positioned to take advantage of this demand, thanks to their quality training and exposure to networking opportunities. For anyone considering a career in aviation, now remains one of the best times to pursue flight training and prepare for a rewarding career in the skies.