CHICAGO — 2025 — United Airlines has emerged as the world’s largest airline by pilot employment, signaling a powerful rebound for U.S. aviation as the industry continues its workforce and operational recovery following the disruptions of the pandemic.
According to recent data from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), United Airlines now employs approximately 17,800 pilots, outpacing Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. The figures underscore the strength of the U.S. aviation sector, which maintains the world’s most extensive domestic and international flight networks.
While global airline rankings are often determined by fleet size, revenue, or destinations, the number of active pilots provides another key measure of operational scale and economic strength. With thousands of flights taking off daily, U.S. carriers lead the world not only in passenger volume but also in the skilled professionals who make those operations possible.
Aviation’s “Big Three” Dominate Pilot Employment
The ALPA data shows Delta Air Lines follows United closely with over 17,300 pilots, while American Airlines remains just behind. Combined, the “Big Three” employ more than 50,000 pilots, representing a massive investment in human capital and highlighting the competitive scale of U.S. aviation.
These employment numbers mirror the broader recovery trend in the industry. United also ranks at or near the top in several other categories — including available seat miles, destinations served, and mainline aircraft fleet size. Delta leads in revenue, brand value, and market capitalization, while American continues to carry the highest number of passengers annually. Collectively, they dominate nearly every metric that defines global airline size.
With average pilot salaries exceeding $200,000 annually, the combined payroll for the major carriers’ flight crews runs into billions of dollars. The scale of this investment reflects not only the complexity of operating thousands of global routes but also the high degree of technical expertise and responsibility required of airline pilots.
Industry Recovery and the Hiring Surge
The airline industry’s current strength stands in stark contrast to the turbulence of the early 2020s. The COVID-19 pandemic forced airlines worldwide to shrink operations dramatically, with thousands of pilots taking early retirement or leaving the profession altogether. The resulting shortage became one of the most pressing challenges in the post-pandemic recovery period.
As travel demand returned sharply in 2022 and 2023, major U.S. carriers launched unprecedented pilot hiring campaigns. U.S. airlines collectively added more than 13,000 new pilots in 2022 and another 12,000 in 2023, marking record levels of recruitment. United alone hired over 1,000 new pilots in a single year to meet operational demand.
That surge has since stabilized, with roughly 5,000 new pilots expected to join the U.S. airline workforce annually—a pace more consistent with long-term industry sustainability. However, the sector continues to face demographic challenges, as thousands of senior aviators approach the mandatory retirement age of 65. The Future and Active Pilots Alliance (FAPA) estimates that 42,000 pilots are expected to retire within the next 15 years, ensuring steady demand for new entrants and training programs.
Investing in Pilots and Labor Relations
Both United and Delta have made significant efforts to strengthen labor relations and improve pilot working conditions. United’s Master Executive Council (MEC) under ALPA has launched its “Union First” initiative, aimed at reinforcing pilot representation and focusing on workplace safety, scheduling, and financial stability. The initiative reflects a broader industry shift toward improving quality of life and operational reliability.
Delta pilots, meanwhile, continue to benefit from an industry-leading labor contract ratified in 2023, which delivered pay increases and enhanced working terms. The Delta MEC has played a central role in enforcing those provisions, ensuring that management adheres to the agreement and protecting pilots’ rights.
These efforts mark a significant evolution in how major U.S. carriers engage with their flight crews—recognizing pilots not only as employees but as critical stakeholders in the success and reputation of the airline.
Global Reach and Strategic Expansion
United and Delta’s vast route networks further illustrate why pilot staffing remains such a vital performance metric. As of 2025, United Airlines operates more than 4,500 daily flights to over 300 cities worldwide, while Delta Air Lines serves nearly 290 destinations across six continents. Both carriers continue to expand international routes, adapt to evolving passenger demand, and manage growth even amid inflationary pressures.
The strategic investments in pilots and aircraft underscore a broader truth about the airline business: success depends as much on workforce strength as on financial performance. With travel demand stabilizing and capacity increasing, U.S. carriers are better positioned than many global competitors to navigate the next phase of aviation growth.
Bottom Line
As of 2025, United Airlines stands as the largest airline in the world by number of employed pilots, solidifying its position at the forefront of global aviation. Together with Delta and American, United exemplifies the resilience and dominance of the U.S. aviation industry in the post-pandemic era.
While hiring levels have normalized, demand for skilled aviators remains high, driven by retirements and ongoing fleet expansion. For now, the sky remains firmly in the hands of U.S. carriers—and the pilots who keep them flying.
