Pilotium Editorial Team
10 Nov 2026
With jet fuel at record levels and airlines across Europe trimming winter schedules, here is where crew jobs are under pressure, where airlines are still growing, and how to position yourself for 2027.
The headline story of autumn 2026 is fuel. Since the Strait of Hormuz closed on 28 February, jet fuel has risen by more than 120%, peaking at $1,838 per tonne in early April and staying above $1,500 since. In October, Europe's average jet fuel price reached $4.84 per gallon, according to Eurocontrol. For airlines, fuel is one of the two biggest costs alongside staff, and this winter they are responding the way they always do: by flying less.
Where the pressure is
Capacity cuts. OAG data shows 21 European airlines cutting planned winter capacity by more than 5%, including easyJet (about 1.4 million fewer seats), Ryanair and Lufthansa's core airline.
Redundancies. airBaltic plans to make about 100 pilots and 200 cabin crew redundant as it shrinks to around 36 aircraft. Wizz Air plans to cut 172 positions in Romania, and KLM is planning a restructuring that will reduce its workforce by nearly 15% over the coming years.
Slower aircraft deliveries. Boeing is slowing its 737 MAX ramp-up and will cut about 5% of its commercial workforce, which may delay some airlines' growth plans.
Where the opportunity still is
Shrinking schedules don't mean hiring stops everywhere. Airlines replacing older aircraft with more fuel-efficient types still need crews trained on them. Ryanair, for example, expects its first Boeing 737 MAX 10 in January 2027. Retirements also continue regardless of the fuel price, so the long-term demand for pilots that drove hiring in 2023–2025 has not disappeared. It is being delayed.
How to position yourself
Keep your licence and medical current. In a slower market, airlines can choose from more candidates, and a lapsed rating or expiring medical is an easy reason to be passed over.
Be ready before the market turns. Recruitment often restarts quickly when costs fall. Candidates who are already assessment-ready get the first places.
Look at where fleets are growing. Track delivery schedules, not just job adverts. An airline taking new aircraft will need type-rated crews.
Don't panic-pay for training. Be careful with expensive self-funded type ratings tied to airlines that are currently cutting capacity.
Pilotium will keep tracking which airlines are cutting and which are still hiring in our weekly briefings.
Sources: Avi-Go (29 Sep 2026); Xinhua (10 Nov 2026, citing OAG and Eurocontrol); AeroCorner (29 Oct 2026); Malay Mail (10 Nov 2026); FlyingInIreland.com (10 Nov 2026).
