Could United Pilot Shortage Affect San Angelo?

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United Airlines now offers direct flights from San Angelo to Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport, but could those flights be in jeopardy after United CEO Scotty Kirby told "Axios on HBO" that the country could be "headed toward a pilot shortage"?

The story from Yahoo says the airline industry has ramped up quickly following the Corona virus pandemic and needs to address disruptions that could happen down the line.

The U.S. travel industry is roaring back, with leisure air travel exceeding pre-pandemic levels, and now must protect itself from future disruptions.

Not only can we see a shortage of pilots, but the industry is no doubt affected by a shortage of other personnel as demand for flying outpaces the supply of industry workers to handle the load of travelers.

Will this affect travel at the San Angelo Regional Airport? If you remember it was just a little over two weeks ago that some were stuck in long lines waiting to go through TSA security at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Just this weekend American Airlines was forced to cancel over 300 flights because of a pilot shortage. Should American and even other airlines like United in San Angelo be selling tickets during the busy summer travel season if they anticipate a pilot shortage coming?

With pilots retiring following the pandemic, it's similar to the situation facing the trucking industry where it is hard to find new young truck drivers to replace the older ones who have decided to leave the industry.

This has also likely been a stressful time for airline employees. There has been no gradual build up of travel. It has come fast after the pandemic. How will the airlines and United in San Angelo deal with the increase in travel and the possible shortage of pilots? Tell us what you think on Facebook or chat with us on our station app.