BTS Releases April 2014 Passenger Airline Employment Data

U.S. scheduled passenger airlines employed 384,265 workers in April 2014, 1.0 percent more than in April 2013, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported today. April was the fifth consecutive month that full-time equivalent (FTE) employment for U.S. scheduled passenger carriers was higher than the same month of the previous year.

The April 2014 FTE total for scheduled passenger carriers was 3,778 more than in April 2013 and the highest monthly total since October 2012. Scheduled passenger airline categories include network, low-cost, regional and other airlines.

The five network airlines that collectively employ two-thirds of the scheduled passenger airline FTEs reported 0.4 percent more FTEs in April 2014 than in April 2013. Alaska Airlines, US Airways, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines increased FTEs from April 2013 while United Airlines reduced FTEs. Network airlines operate a significant portion of their flights using at least one hub where connections are made for flights to down-line destinations or spoke cities.

Of the six low-cost carriers, four - Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Virgin America - reported an increase in FTEs from April 2013 while two - Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines - reported a decline. Low-cost airlines operate under a low-cost business model, with infrastructure and aircraft operating costs below the overall industry average.

Among the 13 regional carriers, three carriers reported reduced employment levels in April compared to the previous year: Chautauqua Airlines, Endeavor Airlines, and Envoy Air. The others reported increases. Regional carriers typically provide service from small cities, using primarily regional jets to support the network carriers’ hub and spoke systems.

See Passenger Airline Employment press release for summary tables and additional data. Historical employment data can be found on the BTS web site.

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