Southwest CEO Bob Jordan Believes Pilot Shortage Will Last For Three Years

The CEO of the world’s largest low-cost carrier, Southwest Airlines (WN), expects the global pilot shortage to drag on for at least another three years. Bob Jordan, who leads the carrier, recently spoke at the Bernstein Conference and noted that with current staffing shortages, it has had to ground 40 of its aircraft until they have additional pilots to fly them. This equivocates to around 200 flights a day or 8% of operations the airline currently has paused.

Analysts have estimated that the United States of America is short at least 10,000 pilots, and with post-pandemic travel in full swing, it wouldn’t be surprising to see that number rise.

Before the pandemic, there was already a widespread pilot shortage in the United States; however, with the pandemic pulling up the handbrake on aviation, many veteran pilots decided to retire early, further amplifying the need now that aviation is on the rebound.

American Airlines also feels the pain.

It also looks bleak at many other airlines, with one of the ‘Big Three’ American Airlines parking around 50 mainline jets and 150 regional aircraft while limping through the pilot shortage. Southwest’s Jordan, however, expects the situation to ease closer to the end of the year and aims to relaunch a few of its parked aircraft back to the skies by the end of the year.

The pilot shortage and delivery delays from aircraft manufacturer Boeing have shaded Southwest’s growth plans. The airline had expected up to 90 737 MAX 8 this year. However, this has been re-estimated to 70 due to a manufacturing issue.

As noted by ABC, The United States government estimates that 2032 North America will be short over 30,000 pilots, highlighting the dire current situation, which could only worsen. However, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), issuing 9,588 airport transport licenses to trainee pilots, this will hopefully fill the gap of 18,000 pilot jobs expected to be advertised this decade.

Thinking outside the box

With the global pilot shortage not limited to the United States, Australia is another nation feeling the pinch of a pilot shortage. However, regional carrier Rex Airlines (REX) has a plan to change the curve, being the owner of the Australian Airline Pilot Academy in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales

As earlier reported by Simple Flying, Rex has recently seen experienced pilots poached by other carriers. This reinforces why the academy is an integral part of Rex’s operations and growth and a testament to the airline’s commitment to Australian aviation. Taking in cadets with zero flying experience and graduating them as airline pilots a little over a year later builds the nation’s pool of talented aviators.

Photo: Ryan Fletcher / Shutterstock

To overcome that and take responsibility for its pilot needs, Rex launched the academy, a wholly-owned subsidiary that now operates in New South Wales and Victoria. Training its pilots also means Rex can set the standards and produce crews who understand the Rex ethos and take onboard its strong culture.

Sources: ABC News, Reuters

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  Southwest Airlines canceled some 900 flights over the weekend. Photo: Vincenzo Pace/Simple Flying

  Southwest Airlines

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  WN/SWA

  Airline Type:

  Low-Cost Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Dallas Love Field, Denver International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Houston Hobby Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Midway International Airport, Oakland International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

  Year Founded:

  1967

  CEO:

  Robert Jordan

  Country:

  United States