Delta will launch a career-path program for pilots, joining
competitors United and American, which also announced the launch of such
programs this year.
Delta is making the move to ready itself for the hiring of
approximately 8,000 pilots over the next decade. Under the Delta Propel Pilot
Career Path Program, Delta will initially partner with the aviation programs of
eight universities to interview program candidates. Those who are selected will
be receive a qualified job offer that lays out a defined path and an
accelerated timeline for becoming a Delta pilot.
Delta said it plans to eventually work with more
universities.
Individuals accepted to the program will be mentored by a
Delta pilot. Once they receive the proper certifications, they'll have a choice
of three career routes designed to get them a job flying for Delta in 42 months
or less. Program participants will be able to fly for a Delta Connection regional
airline partner or for Delta Private Jets while instructing at one of the
universities Delta will partner with or fly military aircraft for the Air
National Guard or Air National Reserves.
Delta said it is also exploring whether to offer financing
opportunities for desiring pilots that could augment existing pilot scholarship
programs.
According to the University of North Dakota's 2016 Pilot
Supply Forecast, the U.S. faces a pilot shortage that will reach 3,500
commercial pilots by 2020.
The shortage is due, in part, to the financial barriers to
becoming a pilot. Aspiring U.S. airline pilots who don't get trained via the
military or a college or university flight school must log 1,500 hours of
flight time to be eligible to copilot a commercial flight. Getting those hours
can cost $200,000, according to industry experts.
The flying-hour requirement is 1,250 for graduates of
two-year college aviation programs, 1,000 for graduates of four-year university
aviation programs, and 750 for ex-military pilots.
As part of its Propel program, Delta also will facilitate a
career transition into piloting for current employees. That portion of the
program will include mentoring and leave-of-absence provisions. Participants
will earn their pilot certification at one of two partner flight schools and
work toward their 1,500 flying hours. After that, they'll be hired at a
regional airline, where they'll work for 42 months or less before getting a
pilot position at Delta.
Delta will begin taking applications for the Delta Propel
Pilot Career Path Program in August.