Skyborne Positioned to Handle Pilot Shortages as U.S. Travel Ramps Up

With an eye on the increase of leisure and business travel in the U.S., Skyborne Airline Academy Vero Beach is closely monitoring announcements from several U.S.-based airlines to ramp up training and hiring of pilots by next summer. Projections for travel this upcoming holiday weekend indicate that 3.5 million people are planning to fly, as air travel volumes this Independence Day will reach 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels and increase 164 percent compared to last year according to AAA.

The industry is reacting appropriately with Delta releasing its intention to hire 1,000 pilots by next year and American is currently experiencing cancellations due to staffing shortages. These disruptions come at a time when airlines are working to capture new surges in passenger demand after the first year of the pandemic.

Lee Woodward, Chief Executive Officer, Skyborne Airline Academy, says: “After periods of layoffs and furloughs, airlines are now in the position to begin to fill the back-log caused by an increased demand in travel after a challenging year and a half.” He continued, “As the U.S. aviation industry continues to demonstrate its strong recovery post Covid-19, we’re working closely with airlines to help manage the growing demand for resilient, well-trained commercial pilots.”

Skyborne graduates successful in their application for a pathway program can fast track their career to become a First Officer with some of the country’s leading airlines.

Applicants meeting the criteria for one of Skyborne’s five pathway programs will complete their Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) qualification before receiving a formal recommendation to the airline of their choosing. Skyborne’s graduate placement team provides support throughout the selection process, with detailed interview and assessment preparation training.

What are some of the challenges of extended absence from the cockpit? Find out in  A Pachyderm in the Post-Pandemic Room?

FAA Part 141 graduates that subsequently move on to an instructor position with Skyborne will undertake the required 1,500 flying hours and their Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFII) and Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR), further developing their skills and professionalism in readiness for airline placement.