A report in the Wall Street Journal about the ongoing pilot shortage says not only has Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE: DAL) recalled all of its furloughed pilots who want to return, the airline plans to add about 50 pilots a month “through early this year” and then take 20 a month through September.
The WSJ adds the shortage of qualified pilots has hit U.S. airlines sooner and more severely than expected, leading the airlines to accelerate hiring and cut some service.
The shortage is attributed to both a long-anticipated wave of pilot retirements and new rules that require an increase in training for new pilots and more rest for existing pilots at passenger airlines.