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U.S. Airlines Mandated to Hire Pilots Based on Merit

2/13/2026

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Story summary
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ordered U.S. airlines to adopt merit-based pilot hiring.
  • This move aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive orders to end discrimination and increase safety.
  • The Federal Aviation Administration will raise pilot training standards.
  • FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said hiring should focus solely on qualifications.
  • This initiative follows significant funding aimed at improving the U.S. air traffic control system.