American Airlines Recruiting New Pilots

American Airlines is beginning the process to recruit and hire approximately 1,500 new pilots over the next five years, which will be American airlines largest pilot hiring process in over a decade, according to a press release. The airline has opened the new job listing, including the first new-hire class date that is expected to begin training this winter.

The company's ability to welcome these additional pilots is a result of its broad fleet renewal efforts, including taking delivery of new single-aisle Airbus aircraft and a mix of both narrow body and wide body Boeing aircraft. This will lead to an expansion of flying to international destinations that are important to the airline's customers, including projected pilot retirements and the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) new rest and duty time rules that will be put into effect in 2014. This announcement is demonstrative of the progress the airline has made through restructuring, as well as its new strengthened financial position.

"Today marks an important step toward a bright future at the new American," Capt. John Hale, the vice President of Flight at American Airlines, said. "We're providing our current pilots with the strongest career advancement and growth opportunities in more than a decade, while continuing to build a premier airline and world-class employer they can be proud to fly for throughout their careers."

Currently, the airline is anticipating hiring between 45 and 50 additional pilots per month through at least summer 2014, which will also include pilots from American Eagle Airlines, Inc.

"American takes great pride in the exceptional quality of our pilots, and we're excited to continue building our team through this selective hiring and recruitment process," Hale said. "We're confident that our proposed merger with US Airways will provide even greater opportunities for all of our people."

The hiring process will also include an online assessment that will evaluate each pilot's skill set, experience and compatibility with American Airlines brand values.