Flight Training Connection

The FAA says it is launching one of its biggest air traffic controller hiring pushes in decades, aiming to bring on about 8,900 new controllers by 2028 as part of a “supercharge” effort backed by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The agency hired 2,026 controllers in fiscal 2025, beating its goal of 2,000, after bringing in 1,811 the year before, and plans to hire more than 2,200 in 2026 as it fills every seat at its training academy in Oklahoma City.

Even with that surge, the system will still feel tight. FAA workforce plans and outside analyses say the agency is roughly 3,000 to 3,500 controllers short of where it wants to be, with many facilities relying on mandatory overtime and six day weeks to keep the schedule running. Retirements, early exits and high washout rates in training mean that even hiring nearly 9,000 new controllers by the end of 2028 would result in a net gain of only about 1,000 additional certified controllers in the FAA’s ranks, according to the agency’s own forecast.

For travelers, this is the quiet backstory behind a lot of those “staffing” delay messages. When there are not enough controllers on a shift, the FAA slows the rate of arrivals and departures, which can back flights up for hours. The new hiring push is meant to chip away at that problem while the agency also modernizes old computer systems, but officials admit it will take years before passengers really feel the difference. For now, the U.S. is trying to rebuild a controller workforce that was allowed to shrink for too long.

U.S. Pilot Pay Soars as Demand Grows

Pilot compensation in the U.S. has risen dramatically over the past decade, though earnings vary significantly by role and experience. Flight instructors may start at $25–30 per hour, while regional airline first officers now average about $95 hourly—up from $39 in 2017. At major carriers like United, a first-year first officer earns around $129 per hour, and a senior wide-body captain can make nearly $500 per hour, totaling close to $500,000 annually. High demand across airlines, cargo, and private operators continues to drive pay upward.

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WestJet pilots in 2025 are among the best-paid in Canadian aviation, with earnings varying by aircraft type, experience, and seniority. The airline’s updated pay agreement has raised top-end salaries significantly, especially for its long-haul Boeing 787 fleet.

First Officers
Annual pay ranges from C$78,000 to C$188,000, depending on seniority and aircraft assignment. Pilots are guaranteed at least 77.5 flight hours per month, ensuring stable income even during schedule fluctuations.

Captains
Experienced captains can earn up to C$310,000 per year, with additional pay for long-haul operations and seniority. A 2025 contract agreement will lift the top hourly rate for Boeing 787 captains to C$347.16 by 2026.

Additional Compensation
Pilots receive allowances for layovers, deadhead flights, and training days, which can add thousands to annual pay.

Benefits
• Global health insurance and medical coverage
• Staff travel privileges for pilots and families
• Company savings match program
• Paid vacation and training leave

With expanding long-haul routes and competitive new contracts, WestJet’s pay structure now rivals major North American carriers.

Breeze Airways is rapidly expanding, with CEO David Neeleman stating the airline could grow its fleet to 400 aircraft. The carrier currently operates 55 jets, mainly Airbus A220-300s and Embraer E190s, with deliveries of new A220s arriving roughly every three weeks. It has 90 A220s on firm order, with options to expand to 120.

Breeze focuses on underserved U.S. markets, avoiding major hubs and instead flying direct to smaller cities using 100–150 seat aircraft. Around 87% of its routes face no competition, and the model is paying off—Breeze posted its first operating profit in Q4 2024 with over $200 million in revenue.

International routes will launch in 2026 as part of its next growth phase. With more than 125 U.S. cities losing air service in recent years, Breeze sees long-term opportunity.

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Coming at you with the Top Tips

Air Canada pilots are among the best paid in the country, earning between CA$50,000 and CA$350,000 per year depending on experience and aircraft type. First officers start around CA$50,000, rising to CA$190,000 with seniority, while captains can make between CA$215,000 and CA$350,000 annually.

Pilots are paid for a guaranteed 75 flying hours each month, with additional pay between CA$275 and CA$300 per hour for overtime. Beyond salary, Air Canada offers comprehensive medical and life insurance, unlimited staff travel, meal and layover allowances, and access to professional training programs.

The airline currently employs over 5,000 pilots across its bases in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg, operating a fleet of more than 350 aircraft including Boeing 777s, 787s, and Airbus A220s.

Frontier Airlines offers competitive pilot pay packages that rise steadily with seniority and experience. Salaries are among the strongest in the U.S. low-cost carrier segment, reflecting Frontier’s rapid fleet expansion and new pilot contract improvements.

Captains
Captains earn between $181,800 in year one and $243,000 by year twelve, depending on aircraft type and experience. Pay scales increase annually, rewarding long-term service and leadership in the cockpit.

First Officers
First officers begin at $100 per flight hour, with rates climbing to $179 per hour by year twelve. Total annual earnings grow quickly as flight hours and seniority increase.

Total Estimated Pay
Including base salary and allowances, Frontier pilots earn between $194,000 and $362,000 annually, with an average base of about $259,000, according to Glassdoor estimates.

Benefits
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement match
• Paid training and vacation time
• Staff travel privileges on Frontier and partner airlines

Frontier’s pay structure and rapid route expansion make it one of the most appealing options for pilots looking to grow within the U.S. low-cost market.

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easyJet pilots earn between £57,235 and £157,424 a year, depending on rank and experience, making them among the best-paid in European low-cost aviation.

Newly-qualified second officers start at around £57,000, while first officers earn roughly £67,000 to £83,000. Senior captains command the highest pay, ranging from £136,000 to £157,000, plus route-based allowances of up to £108 per flight depending on distance.

Pilots also receive paid leave, staff-travel perks, discounted holidays, life insurance, and an annual bonus that rises with years of service.

The airline employs nearly 3,000 pilots and operates more than 350 Airbus jets, including A319s, A320neos, and A321neos, flying over 900 routes across Europe, Africa, and Asia.

easyJet recruits pilots through its cadet program with CAE, offering a clear path from trainee to captain.

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