United Schedules New Intra-Asia Route

United has scheduled its long-awaited new service from Tokyo to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, which was first announced in October.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, January 17, 2025 at 09:50 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A United Boeing 737-800 in Tokyo. (Photo: Shutterstock | viper-zero)

United has scheduled its long-awaited new service to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, which was first announced in October.

Per Aeroroutes, the airline will begin the intra-Asia route on May 1, 2025. Flights will operate three times weekly on a Boeing 737-800.

United flight 7 departs Tokyo Narita at 4:30 p.m., arriving in Ulaanbaatar at 8:55 p.m. local time. The return service – United flight 6 – leaves Mongolia at 9:55 a.m., arriving in Tokyo at 3:45 p.m. local time.

The Chicago-based carrier becomes the first-ever U.S. airline to operate regularly scheduled flights to Mongolia.

This new route joins a list of more exotic offerings by the carrier, including Newark, New Jersey, to Nuuk, Greenland, which is also scheduled to begin later this year.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Airlines Hiring Mechanics in 2025

Despite the slowdown in some parts of airline hiring, there is steady demand for aircraft maintenance technicians throughout the industry.

Andrew Chen

Friday, January 17, 2025 at 07:00 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A mechanic works on a Boeing 777 in its hangar (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Aircraft mechanics work around the clock to keep airline operations safe. Being an aircraft mechanic – also known as an aircraft maintenance technician (AMT) or airframe and powerplant technician (A&P) – can therefore be an interesting and rewarding job for those interested in aviation.

Although aircraft mechanics can work for many different types of employers, many choose to work for an airline. Being employed by a commercial airline comes with many advantages, including competitive salaries and travel benefits.

While airline hiring has slowed down for some roles – as is the case with pilots – many carriers are actively hiring aircraft mechanics.

Which Major U.S. Airlines Are Hiring Mechanics?

Most major airlines in the United States are hiring aircraft mechanics for their maintenance operations.

Alaska Airlines currently has a job posting for an avionics technician at its Seattle base.
American Airlines is actively hiring for multiple roles in their Tech Ops and Maintenance team. The legacy carrier has over a dozen postings for technician and maintenance supervisor jobs throughout its network.
Delta Air Lines is currently hiring aircraft maintenance technicians for its Endeavor Air subsidiary. Delta also has openings for aircraft maintenance apprenticeships for students enrolled at partner schools.
JetBlue Airways currently has numerous positions open in its Technical Operations division. The airline is hiring mechanics in multiple locations and also has job postings for supervisory positions.
United Airlines is hiring maintenance technicians and supervisors throughout its network. There are available jobs in locations ranging from Los Angeles to Guam to Beijing.

An American A319 undergoes maintenance checks (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Which U.S. Low-Cost Carriers Are Hiring Mechanics?

Allegiant Air has over a dozen job postings for aircraft maintenance roles across the country, some of which are leadership positions. The airline also has an ongoing talent pool that prospective employees can join.
Avelo Airlines is hiring aircraft maintenance technicians at multiple bases. The airline has six operating bases split across the East and West Coasts.
Breeze Airways is also seeking aircraft maintenance technicians and maintenance supervisors at numerous bases. Breeze is even offering hiring bonuses and stipends at certain locations.
Frontier Airlines has many job postings for aircraft mechanics across the country. The airline’s Technical Operations division maintains its all-Airbus fleet.
Sun Country Airlines is hiring aircraft maintenance technicians at its base in Minneapolis. The airline also has seasonal A&P positions available at some outstations.

Which U.S. Regional Airlines Are Hiring Mechanics?

Like their mainline counterparts, many regional carriers are seeking aircraft mechanics.

Boutique Air is currently seeking aircraft mechanics in Dallas. The airline flies Pilatus PC-12s on a handful of Essential Air Service (EAS) routes around the country.
Cape Air is hiring airframe and powerplant mechanics in multiple locations. The airline has regional operations in four locations: the Northwest, the Midwest, the Caribbean, and Montana.
CommuteAir is hiring aircraft maintenance technicians in Lincoln, Nebraska and at Washington-Dulles. The company also has mechanic apprentice positions available.
Endeavor Air has open positions for aircraft mechanics in multiple locations ranging from Atlanta to Cincinnati to New York.
Envoy Air is hiring airframe and powerplant mechanics across the country. The airline has ten maintenance bases from coast to coast.
GoJet Airlines is hiring aircraft maintenance technicians for multiple bases. The airline is also offering sign on bonuses in St. Louis and Chicago.
Mesa Airlines is recruiting for multiple maintenance positions. These include line technicians and maintenance managers.
Piedmont Airlines is seeking airframe and powerplant mechanics in multiple locations. The carrier also has a tuition reimbursement program for aspiring maintenance technicians.
PSA Airlines is hiring aircraft mechanics in multiple locations. The company has nine bases across the United States.
Republic Airways is actively hiring aircraft maintenance technicians. The carrier also has apprenticeships for students as well as for military mechanics.
Silver Airways currently has job postings for aircraft maintenance technicians in Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
SkyWest Airlines is seeking line maintenance technicians across its network. The airline is the country’s largest regional carrier with bases across the country. It is also offering hiring bonuses at certain locations.

A CommuteAir Embraer E145 aircraft (Photo: CommuteAir)

Which U.S. Cargo and Charter Airlines Are Hiring Mechanics?

ABX Air is hiring aircraft mechanics in multiple locations throughout its network.
Ameriflight has multiple job postings for airframe and powerplant mechanics. The company also partners with schools to offer student opportunities for aspiring A&Ps.
Atlas Air is seeking airframe and powerplant mechanics and is also hiring for other maintenance roles. It also has a job posting for traveling mechanics to repair aircraft in remote locations.
FedEx Express is actively hiring aircraft mechanics. The airline is the world’s largest cargo carrier.
Kalitta Air is hiring mechanics and maintenance supervisors in multiple locations. The airline currently flies Boeing 747-400F and Boeing 777F aircraft to destinations across the globe.

UPS Airlines is also hiring aircraft mechanics throughout its global network. The Louisville-based carrier is one of the world’s largest cargo airlines and flies a diverse fleet of aircraft.

U.S. Airlines Are Hiring Mechanics

Many airlines in the United States are actively hiring mechanics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates five percent growth for aircraft and avionics mechanics through 2033.

Meanwhile, aviation training company CAE projects a need for 138,000 aircraft mechanics globally by 2033. There are therefore many opportunities for aspiring aircraft mechanics.

Andrew Chen

Andrew is a lifelong lover of aviation and travel. He has flown all over the world and is fascinated by the workings of the air travel industry. As a private pilot and glider pilot who has worked with airlines, airports and other industry stakeholders, he is always excited to share his passion for aviation with others. In addition to being a writer, he also hosts Flying Smarter, an educational travel podcast that explores the complex world of air travel to help listeners become better-informed and savvier travelers.

Zambia’s Alkebulan Airlines Poised for AOC Approval

Alkebulan Airlines is set to begin operations in January 2025 with a fleet of Embraer E145 and Boeing 737-series aircraft.

Victor Shalton

Friday, January 17, 2025 at 06:00 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Bombardier CRJ Series aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks / Fabian Behr)

Alkebulan Airlines, based in Zambia, is nearing the completion of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process and aims to begin operations in January 2025. The airline’s CEO, Charles Tembo, announced that its fleet would include Embraer E145s and Boeing 737s, reports CH-Aviation. The AOC approval is currently in its fourth phase out of five, with a test flight scheduled for this month.

Established in 2022 by aviation professionals and entrepreneurs, Alkebulan Airlines is a subsidiary of Alkebulan Aviation, an innovative company based in Lusaka, Zambia. The parent company has focused on building a robust operational framework, completing its headquarters and cargo center in 2023. With hopes of revolutionizing African aviation, Alkebulan Airlines aims to offer both domestic and international services to cities such as Cape Town, Harare, Dubai, Guangzhou, New York, Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, London, and Mumbai.

Zambia’s Expanding Aviation Sector

Zambia’s aviation industry is witnessing substantial growth, rebounding strongly post-pandemic. The Zambia Airports Corporation Limited reported over two million passengers in 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic figures. Upgrades to major airports, including Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport, have enhanced passenger experiences, positioning Zambia as a competitive aviation hub.

Key players in the Zambian aviation market include the relaunched national airline, Zambia Airways, which commenced commercial operations in December 2021 with a Boeing 737-800. The government’s Aviation Strategy (2022–26) further bolsters this sector, focusing on enhancing regional connectivity and tourism.

Victor Shalton

Victor Shalton's love for aviation can be traced to when he was 11-years-old. As a seasoned aviation writer, he takes pride in providing the best aviation coverage around the globe and is passionate about advancing his skills in the aviation space. In addition, he loves travelling, writing, arts and while his speaking engagements have taken him around the world, he is proud to call Nairobi home.

Emirates Ramps Up Madagascar Service

Emirates Airline will increase the frequency of its scheduled services to Antananarivo in Madagascar starting later this year.

Lorne Philipot

Friday, January 17, 2025 at 05:00 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Emirates will increase the frequency of its scheduled services to Antananarivo in Madagascar.

The airline launched scheduled flights to Antananarivo in September 2024. These services are operated as tag-on flights to Emirates’ existing Seychelles scheduled services.

The carrier commenced four weekly services between Dubai and Madagascar last September. However, due to strong passenger demand, Emirates will increase frequencies on this route.

The airline will operate six flights per week between Dubai and Antananarivo. Additional flights will be introduced starting on April 2.

Emirates will operate the route daily, with the exception of Mondays. Flights are operated with a Boeing 777 aircraft.

Growing Madagascar’s Tourism

The airline says that the additional frequencies come as a result of good load factors on these flights.

Emirates is increasing capacity to the island, to grow airlift and support Madagascar’s efforts to expand visitor arrivals to the country.

Lorne Philipot

Lorne is a South Africa-based aviation journalist. He was captivated and fascinated by flying from the day he took his first airline flight. With a passion for aviation in his blood, he has flown to destinations in all corners of the globe. Lorne has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Drawing on his travels and passion for aviation, Lorne enjoys writing about airlines, routes, networks, and new developments.

Boeing To Resume 777X Test Flights

Boeing is preparing to resume certification flight tests for its long-delayed 777X aircraft as early as mid-January 2025.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 03:44 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Boeing 777X aircraft (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Boeing is preparing to resume certification flight tests for its long-delayed 777X aircraft as early as this month.

According to an Aviation Week report, Boeing is set to conduct a test flight on its third 777-9 aircraft as early as Jan. 15.

The certification program had been stalled since August 2024 due to engine thrust link failures. The Aviation Week report stated that these thrust link components have now been replaced after compounded delays caused by a 53-day machinists strike ground production to a halt.

The 777X has undergone a number of technical testing and certification issues since its first introduction in 2013. Boeing originally planned for the aircraft to enter service by 2020.

But years-long delays would come during a December 2020 flight test when the aircraft performed an “uncommanded pitch event” causing the nose of the jet to pitch up or down without pilot input.

In October 2024, Boeing further delayed its first planned Boeing 777X delivery to 2026. The company also announced it would lay off roughly 10% of its workforce by January 2025.

“Beyond navigating our current environment, restoring our company requires tough decisions and we will have to make structural changes to ensure we can stay competitive and deliver for our customers over the long term,” said Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg in a letter to employees announcing the delivery delays and layoffs.

Assuming Boeing meets its 777X delivery goal in 2026, that will put the company six years behind its intended launch for the aircraft.

Q4 Deliveries Announced

Ahead of Boeing’s fourth quarter financial results scheduled for Jan. 28, Boeing announced major program deliveries across its commercial and defense sectors.

The company reported 36 737 deliveries in Q4 2024 and 265 737s for the full year. Three 767s were delivered in Q4 2024 with 18 being delivered for the full year.

Boeing’s 2024 deliveries (Photo: Boeing)

Out of 14 777s delivered in 2024, three were delivered in Q4. 15 787s were delivered in Q4 out of 51 delivered that year.

In total, Boeing delivered 57 commercial airplanes in Q4 and 348 for the full year.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.

Teamsters Continue Negotiations With United

Aircraft maintenance technicians represented by the Teamsters Union are continuing contract negotiations with United Airlines this week.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 02:19 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

United maintenance staff (Photo: United Airlines)

Aircraft maintenance technicians represented by the Teamsters Union are continuing contract negotiations with United this week.

The Teamsters posted on X Wednesday that the union is negotiating on behalf of over 10,000 technicians for higher wages, lower health care costs, and faster wage growth for new technicians.

“United Airlines Teamsters are directly responsible for the carrier’s record-breaking profits,” the post stated. “It’s time for United to agree to the contract United Airlines Teamsters have earned!”

In August, United’s Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) rallied across the country demanding improved wages before reaching a tentative agreement on a single contract article. Three months later, AMTs held another nationwide rally as November’s tentative agreement with United drew closer to its Dec. 5 amendable date.

“United Airlines has tried every trick in the book to delay negotiations and force Teamsters to keep working under the current contract for as long as possible,” said Teamsters President Sean O’Brien in a November news release from the union. “We are done with United taking Teamsters for granted while raking in billions in profits every quarter. It’s time for the company to treat technicians with respect by agreeing to the historic contract United Airlines Teamsters have earned.”

Clacy Griswold, chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee, told AirlineGeeks in an emailed statement that the Teamsters ended 2024 by securing all but two non-economic articles of their contract with United.

“We successfully secured an increase on tool insurance, additional protections from unjust disciplinary actions, improved recall rights in the event of furloughs, and an increase for minimum staffing levels on field trips,” Griswold said.

While contracts don’t expire under the Railway Labor Act, they become amendable after a given date. The current collective bargaining agreement will remain in effect until the Teamsters secure a new tentative agreement for the entire contract.

Griswold said the Teamsters are currently negotiating “economics.”

“We’re using every resource we have to reach an agreement as soon as possible,” he said. “The economics portion of the contract, which includes fighting to win historic wage increases, substantially lower health care costs, and a faster wage progression for new technicians [is being negotiated]. United Airlines Teamsters are directly responsible for the carrier’s record-breaking profits, and it’s time for United to agree to the contract United Airlines Teamsters have earned.”

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

Denver Gets New Airline

Denver International Airport is slated to add a new airline to its mix. Twenty-seven carriers serve the Colorado airport.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 11:39 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Contour Embraer E135 nicknamed "Pride of Contour." (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)

Denver International Airport is slated to add a new airline to its mix. Twenty-seven carriers serve the Colorado airport.

Starting on April 1, Contour Airlines will begin serving Denver. The carrier will serve Moab, Utah, along with Vernal, Utah, beginning on April 2.

The carrier serves a variety of smaller markets across the U.S. Both routes will be federally subsidized under the Essential Air Service program.

Contour previously connected Moab and Vernal with Phoenix. The carrier has an interline partnership with American.

Flights to Moab are scheduled on a daily basis, departing Denver at 5:40 p.m., and arriving in Moab at 7:15 p.m. Return flights will depart Moab at 2:50 p.m. and arrive in Denver at 4:20 p.m.

Service to Vernal is scheduled to operate five days per week, departing Denver at 4 p.m. and arriving in Vernal at 5:25 p.m. Return flights will depart Vernal at 1:40 p.m. and arrive in Denver at 3:05 p.m.

“We are excited to welcome Contour Airlines to our vibrant city,” said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston in a news release. “This new investment by Contour supports Denver’s ranking as a top destination for business and leisure travel and further connects Denverites with the larger Rocky Mountain region.”

Contour operates 30-seat Embraer aircraft.

Ryan Ewing

Pilot Hiring Nosedives in 2024

Many U.S. airlines have hinted at more moderated hiring numbers in 2025 following the record-setting post-COVID numbers.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 10:17 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An American Boeing 737-800. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

U.S. pilot hiring tanked in 2024 as airlines continue to face aircraft delivery delays. The reduction comes after several years of record hiring trends as airlines recovered from the pandemic.

In 2024, the major U.S. carriers hired 4,834 new pilots, according to data from the Future and Active Pilots Alliance. This figure is a far cry from the over 12,000 pilots hired in 2023, representing a 60% year-over-year drop.

United Leads

United continues to bolster its pilot ranks, hiring 1,317 new aviators last year. In 2023, the Chicago-based carrier hired 2,349 pilots. It hired 2,500 in 2022.

Aircraft at United’s Aviate Academy in Arizona (Photo: GoJet Airlines)

Delta took the No. 2 spot in 2024, onboarding 1,022 new aviators. The Atlanta-based airline recently opened a new training facility in Salt Lake City.

Spirit and FedEx didn’t hire any pilots in 2024. Both Alaska and Southwest halted regular hiring during the first quarter of last year.

American stopped hiring pilots in May 2024, citing aircraft delivery delays on its Boeing 787-9 and 737 MAX aircraft.

2025 Outlook

Airlines have hinted at more moderated hiring trends in 2025 following the record-setting post-COVID years.

Projections provided to FAPA suggest that hiring may be up around 50% this year. During a recent earnings call, Delta leaders said they expect “more normalized” pilot hiring trends throughout the industry.

2024’s lower numbers are in line with 2019, when U.S. airlines hired 4,977 new pilots.

Ryan Ewing

Southern Airways Express Grounded Over Maintenance Woes

Combined, the two carriers operate a fleet of around 40 Cessna Caravan aircraft to smaller markets within Hawaii and the U.S. mainland.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 09:36 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Southern Airways Express Cessna 208 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)

Maintenance issues have prompted Southern Airways Express and Mokulele Airlines to ground their fleets for the second time in less than a year. Combined, the two carriers operate a fleet of around 40 Cessna Caravan aircraft.

According to Hawaii’s Star Advertiser, the company stated that Mokulele’s pause in service is due to maintenance and an “abundance of caution.” The airline did not provide details into the issue or how long it would take to fix.

South Arkansas Regional Airport – one of the airports served by Southern – said operations are expected to resume within 48 hours. “At this time, the specific reasons for the nationwide grounding have not been disclosed to us,” the airport said in a Facebook post.

In August, Mokulele grounded several of its aircraft over maintenance problems. Federal Aviation Administration inspectors flagged the issues.

The two airlines are part of the Surf Air Mobility group and serve smaller markets within the U.S. Many of the airlines’ flights are federally subsidized under the Essential Air Service program.

Ryan Ewing

Spirit Further Slashes Workforce

Spirit is reducing its workforce even more, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The ultra-low-cost carrier plans to cut 200 jobs in various departments.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 08:41 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Spirit Airbus A321 (Photo: Shutterstock | Ron Adar)

Spirit is reducing its workforce even more, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The ultra-low-cost carrier plans to cut 200 jobs in various departments.

The airline filed for bankruptcy in November with a goal of reducing annual costs by $80 million. Last year, Spirit furloughed 186 pilots and will cut around 300 more this month.

“As you all know, we’re facing significant challenges with our business,” CEO Ted Christie wrote to employees in a memo viewed by The Wall Street Journal. “The bottom line is, we need to run a smaller airline and get back on better financial footing.”

Spirit confirmed the job cuts in a statement to Skift. “After reviewing our organizational structure, we have made the difficult decision to eliminate approximately 200 positions,” a spokesperson said.

The airline’s aggressive cost-cutting strategy has included capacity cuts and a reduction in its fleet. Last week, Spirit retired its remaining Airbus A319s and is in the process of selling over 20 older A320 and A321 jets.

Ryan Ewing