Delta Air Lines is projected to hire around 2,168 new pilots in 2026, according to figures published by the Delta pilots’ union. If achieved, it would be one of the airline’s biggest hiring years, approaching the record levels seen in 2022 and 2023, when Delta hired around 2,400 pilots annually.
The projection marks a major increase from 2025, when Delta hired only about 600 pilots as airline recruitment slowed across the industry. So far this year, Delta has already welcomed around 1,199 new pilots, including a class of 68 that began on August 4.
Delta’s seniority list now stands at approximately 18,100 pilots. Around 88% of recent recruits came from civilian aviation backgrounds, including regional airlines, cargo carriers and corporate flying, while 12% came from military aviation.
The industry-wide hiring surge is being driven largely by pilot retirements, as U.S. airline pilots are required to retire at age 65. Other major carriers are also planning large recruitment drives, with United targeting around 2,500 hires and American around 1,500 in 2026.