Airline Pilot Recruitment — Which Airlines Are Hiring Pilots in 2026?

Browse recruitment guides for 55 airlines worldwide. 50 airlines are currently actively hiring pilots. 25 offer cadet programs for aspiring pilots with no experience.

55

Airlines

50

Actively Hiring

25

Cadet Programs

5

Regions

North America

Delta Air Lines

HIRING

United States

A220-100/300A319/320/321A330-200/300/900+6 more

Cadet program available

United Airlines

HIRING

United States

A319/320/321B737-700/800/900/MAXB757-200/300+3 more

Cadet program available

American Airlines

HIRING

United States

A319/320/321A321neo/XLRB737-800/MAX+2 more

Cadet program available

Southwest Airlines

HIRING

United States

B737-700B737-800B737 MAX 7/8

SkyWest Airlines

HIRING

United States

CRJ-200CRJ-700CRJ-900+1 more

Cadet program available

Republic Airways

HIRING

United States

ERJ-170ERJ-175

Cadet program available

Envoy Air

HIRING

United States

ERJ-145ERJ-175

Cadet program available

PSA Airlines

HIRING

United States

CRJ-700CRJ-900

Endeavor Air

HIRING

United States

CRJ-200CRJ-900

Mesa Airlines

HIRING

United States

CRJ-900ERJ-175

Horizon Air

HIRING

United States

ERJ-175

Cadet program available

JetBlue Airways

HIRING

United States

A220-300A320-200A321-200/neo/LR

Cadet program available

Alaska Airlines

HIRING

United States

B737-800/900/MAXA320neo/A321neoERJ-175

Spirit Airlines

PAUSED

United States

A320-200A320neoA321-200

Frontier Airlines

HIRING

United States

A320neoA321neo

Hawaiian Airlines

HIRING

United States

A321neoB787-9

Allegiant Air

HIRING

United States

A319A320

Sun Country Airlines

HIRING

United States

B737-800

FedEx Express

HIRING

United States

A300-600FB757-200FB767-300F+2 more

UPS Airlines

HIRING

United States

A300-600FB747-400FB757-200F+3 more

Atlas Air

HIRING

United States

B747-400FB767-200/300FB777-200LRF

Air Canada

HIRING

Canada

A220-300A319/320/321A330-300+4 more

Cadet program available

WestJet

HIRING

Canada

B737-600/700/800/MAXB767-300B787-9

Europe

Middle East

Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical airline pilot recruitment process?
Most airlines follow a similar process: 1) Online application with certificates and logbook, 2) Aptitude and psychometric testing (cognitive, multi-tasking, personality), 3) Simulator assessment (hand-flying, instrument procedures, CRM), 4) Panel or HR interview (behavioral, technical, motivational), 5) Medical examination and background check. The process typically takes 2-6 months from application to start date.
Can I become an airline pilot with no experience?
Yes, through cadet or ab-initio pilot programmes. Airlines like Emirates, Lufthansa, British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, and others offer structured training pathways that take you from zero flight hours to First Officer. Some are fully sponsored while others are self-funded (costing EUR 80,000-120,000).
How do I prepare for airline pilot aptitude tests?
Practice with dedicated pilot aptitude test preparation tools (COMPASS, PILAPT, ADAPT). Focus on mental math, multi-tasking, spatial awareness, and instrument comprehension. Most candidates prepare for 2-4 weeks before their assessment. Getting adequate rest before test day is crucial.

Prepare for your airline assessment

Practice aptitude tests, study ATPL theory, and prepare for competency-based interviews.