Working for You

U.S. Airlines Invest in their Workforce

September 01, 2023

This Labor Day weekend, A4A is celebrating the 800,000 employees in the U.S. airline industry and the work they do to connect the world for people and cargo. Every day, more than 2 million people in the U.S. are packing their bags, heading to the airport and taking off. According to TSA, this has been the busiest summer travel period on record with a total of 227.5 million passengers screened at airports nationwide since Memorial Day.

As travelers head off for vacation or business, our industry’s employees are working around the clock and running a 24/7 operation to make those trips possible or to fly packages across the country and around the world. These workers are the backbone of our industry. 

While many industries have reduced staff due to the pandemic or economic reasons, U.S. airlines have done the opposite. A4A passenger carriers recognize the importance of securing a pipeline of new employees—pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, gate agents, customer service representatives and others—to support surging demand for air travel. Carriers have enhanced recruiting efforts, established new pilot training programs and implemented programs to address financial hurdles.

Carriers are also making unprecedented investments in our people. In 2021, air transportation employees earned wages that were 37 percent higher than the average private sector employee. 

As a result, the U.S. airline industry – including passenger and cargo carriers – have a record number of employees! Since 2020, U.S. airline job growth has outpaced the national average, with passenger carriers adding 121,000 jobs and nearly tripling the rate of overall U.S. job growth.

As you take to the skies this weekend, don’t forget to show appreciation for the men and women who will be working throughout the holiday weekend to ensure you have a safe and successful flight, from check-in to baggage claim.

Learn more about our hiring efforts at airlines.org/jobs. For more information on our members’ commitment to hiring and employment opportunities, visit the links below:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Atlas Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• FedEx Express
• Hawaiian Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines
• UPS Airlines