In Fact, Pilot Hirings Almost Doubled Over August Numbers

Airlines that report to AIR, Inc. hired a total of 429 pilots in September... approximately 99% more pilots than in August, which saw 215 new pilot hires.

Non-jets hired the most with 109, followed by the Nationals with 85. Jet Operators put 60 new pilots into their flight decks, and the Majors hired 85. Other airlines added an additional 121.

There are currently 3,937 pilots on furlough and 1,903 pilots who have been laid-off... and AIR Inc. notes "unfortunately that number may be increase by the end of the year."

Sixty-three out of the 178 (36%) airlines that report to AIR, Inc. are still hiring pilots. Southwest is the only major airline that is still interviewing and hiring pilots. Seven national airlines, jet operators and regional carriers are still hiring. The crew leasing and foreign sectors are still adding crewmembers to their flight decks monthly.

The Air Transport Association (ATA) said revenues were up in August for the US. carriers. Legacy airlines mainline unit revenues rose 7.9 and the ATA expects an increase in future months as capacity cuts take effect. Domestic mainline unit revenue was up 4.8% from last year and international revenue increased 12.8%.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects the global industry to see a $4.1 billion loss in 2009, down only slightly from the $5.2 billion forecasted earlier this year. The new projection is based on oil holding at $113 per barrel; currently, oil is trading at closer to $70 per barrel.

Alaska Airlines announced early September that they will be furloughing up to 190 pilots, or 13% of its present pilot workforce. Alaska has not said when the furloughs would begin. For the first time in their 34-year history, small cargo hauler AirNet also announced it will be furloughing up to 55 pilots (34%) of their crewmembers. Craig Washka, Director of Pilot Recruitment and Development for AirNet, said the furloughs may be temporary and pilots may be recalled as soon as late October or November.

DayJet, a Florida-based Very Light Jet operator, stopped operation September 19, 2008 as a result of the company's inability to arrange critical financing in the midst of the current global financial crisis. Eighty-five pilots were laid-off.

The next AIR, Inc. Job Fair will be held in Atlanta in January or March 2009.

FMI: www.jet-jobs.com