Due to ongoing delays in Boeing's aircraft deliveries, United Airlines is set to temporarily suspend pilot hiring this spring, underscoring the impact of Boeing's production challenges on one of its major clients. 

A memo from United's Vice Presidents of Flight Operations, Marc Champion and Kirk Limacher, revealed that new pilot hire classes will be put on hold in May and June, with a likely resumption in July.

Boeing faces increased scrutiny after a door plug blew off a new 737 MAX plane mid-flight on Jan. 5, leading the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to restrict the company from expanding production of its 737 MAX narrowbody jets, per the New York Post.

A United Airlines plane carrying the Kansas City Chiefs taxis after arriving for Super Bowl LVIII at Harry Reid International Airport on February 04, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo : Ethan Miller/Getty Images)  

United Airlines initially contracted to receive 43 Boeing 737 Max 8 and 34 Max 9 models in 2024 but now expects 37 and 19, respectively, due to delivery delays. Additionally, because the FAA has not yet certified the model, the airline has revised its expectation of 80 deliveries of the Max 10 in 2024 to none.

Earlier this year, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby announced the development of a revised fleet strategy that excludes the largest member of the 737 MAX family due to regulatory approval and aircraft delivery delays, according to Reuters. 

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In response to these challenges, United Airlines' Vice Presidents acknowledged the decision's impact on the airline's growth trajectory, stating, "United has hundreds of new planes on order, and while we remain on a path to be the fastest-growing airline, we just won't grow as fast as we thought we would in 2024 due to continued delays at Boeing," as reported by CNBC.

Boeing is currently addressing production challenges and is engaged in discussions to repurchase fuselage maker Spirit AeroSystems due to quality defects.

Other Airlines to Reduce Pilot Recruitment

Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have similarly changed their pilot recruiting plans for the year. American Airlines will employ 1,300 pilots this year after hiring 2,000 in 2023. Delta Air Lines employs fewer pilots after hiring a record 2,400 in 2023.

Southwest Airlines will temporarily stop recruiting after this month's pilot class. Some carriers, such as Spirit Airlines, have ceased pilot hiring entirely to manage growth and reduce costs.

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