American Airlines to recruit and hire approximately 1,500 pilots over next five years

American Airlines is beginning the process to recruit and hire approximately 1,500 new pilots over the next five years, American’s largest pilot hiring in more than a decade. American will open the job posting Oct. 1, with the first new-hire class expected to begin training this winter. American’s ability to welcome new pilots is a result of its broad fleet renewal efforts that include taking delivery of new single-aisle Airbus aircraft and a mix of narrowbody and widebody Boeing aircraft, an expansion of flying to international destinations important to customers, projected pilot retirements and the Federal Aviation Administration’s new rest and duty time rules that come into effect in 2014. This latest news reflects the measureable progress and momentum the airline has achieved through its restructuring, along with its strengthened financial position.