FAA exceeds FY2026 ATC hiring goal, recruits 2,235 trainees after gamer‑focused campaign
Based on · First reported
Sources
- The Federal Aviation Administration reported that it surpassed its hiring target for the 2026 fiscal year by bringing in 2,235 new air traffic control trainees, after more than 12,000 Americans applied within 24 hours of a recruitment drive aimed at gamers.
- The agency said it intends to hire at least 8,900 new trainees by 2028 and has increased its in‑person training capacity, with over 1,300 trainees having completed training since the fiscal year began.
- The FAA also indicated it will continue investing in the next generation of controllers and expand the use of new technologies in training.
Why it matters
A larger pool of trained controllers should help sustain air traffic capacity and improve operational reliability for airlines and airports.
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