Facing pilot shortages, Delta and Horizon Air look to the next generation of aviation enthusiasts

Delta Air Lines and other carriers are rolling out programs this summer to develop their next generation of commercial airline pilots. The moves come as thousands of pilots near the mandatory retirement age of 65 in the coming few years, creating a pilot shortage aggravated by Chinese airlines poaching North American pilots. Delta launched its new Propel Pilot Career Path Program in July to develop its own next generation of pilots. Delta is initially partnering with 8 universities that offer aviation programs and is interviewing their aviation students. Candidate-students it selects will be provided a qualified Delta job offer, describing a path and an accelerated timeline under which they could become a Delta pilot after spending 42 months or less working for a Delta Connection regional carrier. <br/>