NetJets recently announced plans to hire up to 187 new pilots and 50 new flight attendants this year, marking the resumption of outside hiring since reducing its pilot workforce by nearly 500 in 2009 due to the economic downturn. As the economy slowly recovered, NetJets worked to recall its furloughed pilots, and all furloughed pilots were offered recall by the end of last year.  

The company has already received more than 1,000 résumés from qualified pilots and about 200 from flight attendant candidates. The first group of new pilot hires is expected to start on-site training in the first quarter.

Qualified pilots must have an ATP certificate with multi-engine land privileges, current FAA first-class medical, 2,500 hours TT, 500 hours fixed-wing multi-engine and 250 hours instrument. NetJets said it is selecting only “top tier” candidates for interviews.

“Due to the strength of our business and our brand around the world, in 2014 we were able to not only recall pilots who were furloughed in 2009 because of the economic downturn, but [also] grow our business to the point where we can open the door for new team members as well,” said NetJets COO Bill Noe. “And looking at the number of qualified applicants we’ve received in such a short time period speaks volumes to the quality of employment and opportunity we offer.”

Meanwhile, NetJets is still in protracted contract negotiations with its pilot and flight attendant unions, as well as its organized aircraft technicians and dispatchers.