As forecasted by AIR, Inc. the airline industry hired more than 10,000 pilots in 2005. The Nationals lead the way by adding 3,193 pilots, followed by the Majors with 2,498, the jet Operators with 1,592, and the Non-Jet Operators with 1,480. One hundred and fifteen out of the 195 airlines that report to AIR, Inc. monthly, Majors to the Startup carriers, have already told AIR, Inc. that they plan on hiring approximately 6,700 in 2006 - 2,500 of those are from the Major carriers alone.

FedEx, the world's number one air-express courier, posted a 33% increase in profits for the second quarter that ended November 30. Net income rose to $471 million over $354 million during the same period last year. They plan on hiring between 300 - 350 pilots in '06.

American Airlines (AMR) said on December 22 that it would post slightly higher unit costs in the fourth quarter of 2005. AMR expects to end the year with more than $4 billion in cash and short-term investments, including $500 million in restricted cash. JP Morgan analyst Jamie Baker said the figures translate to a softer fourth quarter than expected. At current fuel prices unit revenue could gain 9%-10%, putting the nations largest airline "in sight of a breakeven result" for the first time since 2000.

Continental Airlines (CAL) received $172 million from the sale of 9 million shares in COPA Holdings, the parent company of COPA Airlines, in December. CAL, which still holds approximately 12 million shares, will contribute $50 million of the proceeds to its employee pension plans, bringing its 2005 contribution total to $354 million. CEO Larry Kellner said that CAL "remains committed to meeting our pension obligations". Continental plans on hiring approximately 500 pilots in '06.

FMI: www.jet-jobs.com