Airlines and Pilots Disagree on Existence of Pilot Shortage, United Airlines Warns of Increased Macro Risks, and More

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Airlines and Pilots Disagree on the Existence of Pilot Shortage

The state of the pilot supply in the US is under debate as industry stakeholders disagree about whether a shortage exists and whether raising the mandatory retirement age for pilots would help. 

The Regional Airline Association president testified that the shortage is decimating small community air service and has been growing for decades, with a key issue stemming from the FAA’s slow action on advancing pilot training standards. 

However, the Air Line Pilots Association blames the decision of the airlines to park aircraft and furlough pilots during the pandemic for creating the current situation and argues that there is enough supply to satisfy demand. source

Photo by Jan Huber on Unsplash

All Chinese Operators of 737 MAX Resume Flying the Aircraft

Boeing President and CEO David Calhoun confirmed that all Chinese operators of the 737 MAX have resumed flying the aircraft. Of the 95 737 MAX jets delivered in China, 45 are back in service. 

Although Chinese airlines have not yet determined when they will receive new examples of the 737 MAX, Calhoun expressed optimism to investors about the Chinese market for the company's flagship product. 

China is one of the main markets for the 737 MAX, but recent diplomatic clashes between the US and Chinese governments have prevented the closing of new agreements. source