The U.S. regional sector has long faced hiring issues. Cape Air began actively working to address the impending pilot shortage in 2009, even before the so-called "1,500 hour rule" — largely panned in the sector — came into force in 2013. The pandemic gave regionals a momentary breather in this perennial struggle but now, with the U.S. recovery well underway, the industry is again struggling to find pilots — but also maintenance technicians and people for pretty much any entry-level position. And in the pecking order of airlines, regionals are at an even greater disadvantage when even giant Southwest Airlines can't find enough staff.
