Fractionals Take One-fifth of Pilots Hired

The number of pilots hired from January through May by the six major fractional operators (559 pilots) is outpacing hiring by the major airlines (302) and regional jet operators (402), according to statistics compiled by AIR Inc. of Atlanta. Only hiring by national airlines (649) surpassed fractionals (total hired in all categories was 2,509). AIR also reported that 7,257 of 94,571 active airline pilots are on furlough in the U.S. (none have been furloughed at the fractionals). In May the majors hired 38, nationals 138, fractionals 100 and helicopter operators 15. AIR predicts up to 6,000 new pilot jobs overall this year.